After spending the last couple of weeks can-caning my way through Oklahoma (the show not the place…although you never know!), I finally got some free time to get back to the important business of vintage living in our wonderful capital. And what a jolly I had on this beautiful Spring day! Vintage has never looked so good in Dublin with a wealth of stores and markets on offer in which we can indulge our passion.

I became particularly giddy upon discovering incredible deals available to us retro lovers in the city at the moment. Below are some of the temptations you may like to know about:

The Harlequin

An oldie but a goody, Castle Market’s enduring resident has a fabulous 50% off everything upstairs in the store at the moment. This was one of my most visited stores over the last 10 years and was supplying pre-loved to the believers when most others shops were but a twinkle in their owners eyes. My favorite piece that I’ve bought there is a gold 1960s shift dress which was miles too wide when I got it but I took it in and it fits like a dream. Oh when you visit, don’t forget to look up … I find that most special surprises are perched on the shelves above the rails!

Wild Child

Another of the original Dublin vintage brigade, this store has gone through a few changes over the last few years (mostly location) but it’s now happily housed in Drury St alongside its vintage neighbours. They are currently offering a deal of €20 per kilo of stock and this includes bags and accessories which makes it even more impressive… It takes a whole lotta scarves to weigh a kilo cats! They told me that the offer is running until the end of the month but may become a more regular thing depending on the success. My favorites purchase from here has to be a large leather brown bag which looks like it belonged to either a doctor/ bowler depending who’s remarking  (a bowling doctor perhaps?)

Carousel

I adore this Exchequer St shop and visit it all the time but for some reason haven’t even mentioned it on a post – well here’s the rectification! Previously Sabotage, the owners decided to change the name to make it more feminine … and I think they were so right to do so. I actually loved Sabotage since it was first opened in premises further down the same street (and also catered for gentlemen) but the name definitely didn’t reflect the ambiance of the current store. But enough of that – to the offer! And a mighty pleasing enticement it is too as with the purchase of 2 dresses you get 1 free … yippee! It applies to vintage only but this doesn’t mean a measly rail in the corner to choose from, no siree, it’s rails of dresses with some absolute gems in there. Funnily enough my all time favorite purchase from here were shower caps with flowers and bows on them that I bought for myself and my girles some time back. Just because you’ve nothing else on doesn’t mean you can’t dress up for the bath my dear!

Last but not least…

Om Diva

Now you already know I’m a fan from my previous post on these pink ladies (Lost and Found… Phew!) but a quick visit lived up to all of my previous lyrical waxing as I descended the stairs of their recently opened Drury St store to find that everything in the basement being sold for €15! I’m not sure how long this is lasting but there were some fab 70s satin blouses that I’m sure won’t last long – very sought after at the mo and so much more special than the high street ones. I’m also assured that their delivery of bags will be in very soon … I’m always coveting their bag collection so I’m waiting with baited breath for the very old new ones.

And finally… to add to my already peaking excitement… we’re on the countdown to the next Vintage Fashion Fair! Yes my lovelies, it’s back in Dun Laoghaire’s Royal Marine Hotel on Sunday 17th April and promises to once again be the most fun day on the Vintage calendar in Ireland. I’m going to practice my swinging (dancing that is), saving my pennies, and donning my best vintage dress every day in preparation. Over 40 stalls, great music, divine jewelry and clothes, charming homeware and fabulous hair and makeup stands… oh my! Can.Not.Wait.

Happy hunting gals!