A Design Day in Dublin

Home Sweet Home couldn't be any closer to the truth. I love going back to Dublin and seeing all the new up and coming galleries, boutiques and eateries I'm missing out on (an excuse to have a week long binge on all three). It's been a slow process, but Powerscourt Shopping Centre is finally beginning to blossom into a must stop shopping destination. I used to sell in the Loft Market on the top floor and was frustrated at the lack of traffic coming through the building. However, now it seems that Powerscourt has an exciting new assortment of boutiques, markets and eateries to draw us inside. Rubanesque is my favourite stop for buttons, ribbons and sparkly things. Alexa is an old college friend of mine from N.C.A.D and she has done an amazing job with her newly relocated shop in Powerscourt (on the bottom floor close to the front entrance).

Downstairs in Powerscourt, I also came across Bow, a collaboration boutique with a very appealing group of fresh (yet seasoned) Irish designers. Eilis Boyle, Margaret O'Rourke (Mo Muse), Matt Doody and Wendy Crawford take it in turns to work in their shared boutique and they can often be seen powering away on the sewing machine or knitting up a storm behind the counter. In here, I fell in love with a LBD by Eilis Boyle and an over-sized enamel and metal owl necklace by Paul and Joe.

 

I had been yearning to visit Covet as soon as I heard about it. "The Borrowers Boudoir" as they call it themselves, it is a treasure trove of designer dresses and accessories. Not only contemporary dresses, but exquisite vintage designer pieces, dripping with sequins, ornate beading and wispy antique lace. Covet also stock hats and head accessories by up and coming Irish milliner Sarah McGahon. Prices are very reasonable for a three day rental and there are on-hand fashion designers there to guide you and style you. Any future weddings coming up? I know where I'll be renting... how often does a girl get to wear a real deal Alexander Mc Queen dress?!

The Loft Market is open Friday and Sunday 12-6pm and on Saturdays 11-6pm. There are lots of lovely sellers to meet and you can browse their wares as a d.j serenades you with some live tunes.

Then it's back downstairs to the Cupcakes stand by The Sugar Loaf Bakery. Instant sugar hit (go on, Covet has an alteration service...just let the dresses out!) They do special function orders like weddings and hen parties... imagine a cupcake mountain for a wedding cake :)

And now for a bit of culture! The Talbot Gallery has a beautiful exhibition on at the moment featuring the work of Anne Hendrick a multi-talented and prolific Irish artist. Her work shows here until the 16th of November and is definitely worth a peek. Roisin, the very friendly girl working at the gallery,  knew her stuff and was able to give me a consise background on the artist and her work.

And now I'm home to France, broke, full and inspired :) Feel free to inform me of your favourite Dublin spots!

Vintage Shopping in Dublin City

People continually ask me where I source my vintage treasures from. Dublin isn't as bountiful as her European sisters for vintage shopping but she does have a few hidden treasure chests buried in her streets... you just have to know where to dig. I will share my favourite shops and sellers with you below but if I come home to fruitless vintage shopping sprees I will not be happy!!

I love Quack and Dirk. Deirdre, the friendly girl with the big smile, knows her stuff and she has a party dress for every occassion. It is a little tucked out of the way but it is definitely worth the wander. The address is Rear Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3. Below are pictures of some treasures from her store. Leave some for me!

There is one shop in Dublin that has an amazing power to lighten my pockets everytime I step through the door and that is Harlequin. Located at 13 Castle Market (mini street with yummy cafes and even tastier shops, between back entrance of Powerscourt Shopping Centre and back of Georges Street Arcade). Fiona and Susanna are the two lovely ladies in the know there, and if there's a piece you're looking for they will help you pull the shop apart to find it. Harlequin is a magpie's nest for vintage 70s maxi dresses,  60's prints, 50s full skirts, leather handbags and accessories, not to mention the boots, the jackets, the... oh just go yourself and enjoy!

 

Step outside Harlequin turn left, take the first left and you'll stumble across Jenny Vander (you are now on Drury Street). This vintage boutique has been open for more than 30 years. I like this shop for antique lace 1950's dresses,  art deco jewellery, beaded and sequined 1950's cardigans and elegant clutch handbags.

Across the road from Jenny Vander is The Georges Street Shopping Arcade. Wildchild are newly relocated here, on the left hand side as you walk in. This shop is usually good for 60s and 70s attire, hats and sunnies and also there is a large selection of vintage jackets, jeans and trainers for men.

If you have a fancy pants engagement to attend and want the vintage designer dress (without the vintage designer price tag), then head along to Covet. Located on the top floor of The Powerscourt Shopping Centre, this luxurious treasure trove of lacy lovelies may just have your vintage dream to rent for the evening... just be sure to make it home before midnight ;)

Charity shopping in Dublin can bit a bit hit and miss, but if you put the time in it makes the find of the day that bit more special. Oxfam, on South Great Georges street, have a section dedicated to "vintage" and it's an extra nice feeling giving money to charity. Back in my N.C.A.D days I used to do the Camden crawl, and cover all the charity shops from top of Camden Street to the bottom of Georges Street (There are about 6/7 on the way down so bring a strong bag!).  It is a long ole trek but you could always slip into Camden Street's Cake Cafe for a caffine and sugar energiser.

Flea Markets are new to Dublin, so take advantage of cheap prices and undiscovered treasures at the Dublin Flea Market at the end of each and every month. Located at the Co-op, Indoor Market, Newmarket in Dublin.

If all else fails you can slip your shoes off and let your fingers do the walking! Wonder Wardrobe is my online vintage shop which I was forced to create when I realised not all my dresses could come to France with me.

Cassie's Attic has some pretty vintage dresses, coats and boots.

Rachel Castillo's Etsy shop is heaving with beautiful vintage jewels and reconstructed antique pieces. This necklace is mine so hands off!

Lulu Finder's  online vintage shop has playsuits to die for, and if they're not your thing then just enjoy her dreamy photography!

And last but not least, Solanah's Etsy vintage store has an abundance of quirky vintage items, fresh styling inspiration and very palettable pricing.

That's it for this week's vintage shopping tips but stay tuned as there will many many more.  If I've missed a hidden gem in Dublin do let me know! Don't forget to click "follow" on the blog and some of I Love Cutie Pie jewellery featured below may be yours to win!