With the Irish vintage-buying community growing by the day, there’s never been a better time to take a break from the high street and throw yourself into the sequined, broad-shouldered world of pre-owned clothing.

Since Jenny Vander, Dublin’s oldest vintage store, opened its doors in the 1980s, the face of Irish vintage has changed a hundred times over; these days, you can pick up a piece of fashion’s past on virtually any shopping street in the country, and at prices that won’t break the bank.
Of course, the word “vintage” has changed, too. A decade ago, a vintage dress was a Jean Patou tulle gown from 1934. Today, a vintage dress is a St. Michael floral tunic from 1989. Fashion purists may tut and roll their eyes, but the good news is that vintage clothing is more accessible than ever, and more fun to wear.
We can all dream of donning a 70-year-old fur stole for a special occasion, but with a thrifty, mass-produced piece from the near side of the 1980s, we don’t have to be quite so cautious (if we’re really lucky, we might even be able to tumble dry the blasted thing!)
We could debate the Dos and Don’ts of vintage shopping all day, but really, you can boil it down to a few basics; try everything on for size (it’s time consuming, yes, but you wouldn’t believe how much the numbers on labels have swelled over the years) watch out for rips, stains and damage (only a worry in low-end or budget stores), check labels for washing instructions (those dry cleaning bills add up, you know!) and enjoy yourself – there really is no better thrill than finding that perfect piece, in just the right size and in perfect nick.
As we mentioned earlier, in 2013, vintage-lovers have more options than ever before. In Dublin, the doors of Jenny Vander are still open, and on its rails hang everything from beaded Victorian jackets to ‘50s party dresses, while around the corner in The Harlequin, trend-led shoppers will find unique, if not ancient, buys that easily fit in with modern styles. In Temple Bar, Crown Alley’s Golly Gosh carries a range of super-affordable stand-out pieces from the ‘70s and ‘80s, bargain-hunter favourite Shotsy boasts items from the ‘50s onwards, and the stock at 9 Crow Street boasts a grungy, uber-trendy ‘90s vibe.
Also in Temple Bar, a basement bursting with vintage and second-hand goodies; Lucy’s Lounge is stuffed with shoes, clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac.
In Rathmines, you’ll find a gorgeous little suburban shop with a distinct Parisian flair called The 3rd Policeman. Eclectic and affordable, it specialises in European vintage goods, making it the perfect store if your style is more continental than charity shop. Named after a novel by Flann O’Brien and established in 2012, The 3rd Policeman epitomises the word quirky, somewhat resembling the attic of an eccentric, and very chic, Aunt. As well as clothing, expect to find furniture, antiques, instruments, record players, cameras and other vintage technology, fabrics, curiosity items, households, artwork, prints and lots more.The 3rd Policeman operates on the belief that discovering information about an item’s unique history brings you even closer to it; the store’s staff love to share their knowledge of the amazing ingenuity, creativity and design of past generations and to help customers understand the story behind their purchase. Travelling far and wide in the pursuit of vintage treasures, they hand pick each item for its quality, originality and outright weirdness.
Jutting out on the corner of Exchequer St. and Drury St., Carousel is an independently owned Irish clothing and lifestyle store favoured by vintage hunters and retro revivalists alike. Based in the heart of Dublin’s Indie Quarter, the store carries the much-loved Carousel brand as well as like-minded small internationally-sourced independent brands and one-of-a-kind vintage dresses, complimented with an eclectic mix of accessories and gifts. Offering customers an alternative to the seasonal trends of the high street, Carousel tips a cap to the icons of the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, but adapts these enduring looks for the modern day. Carousel offers distinctive pieces, exclusive designs, and hand-picked vintage; in other words, timeless, wearable apparel that aims to help the customer feel confident but also express their individuality. With a welcoming atmosphere in store, this friendly Exchequer St. gem promises a memorable, personal and fun shopping experience. Check out the online store at ilovecarousel.com, too.
Meanwhile, the glorious stock in Shutterbug Vintage in Kilkenny is geared towards the young, risk-taking fashionista, and its online sister store Folkster.com follows suit, boasting an even edgier clientele.
Also operating online is Vintage Republic Clothing, a new store established in 2012 through a series of successful pop-up events. By popular demand, items are now available to purchase online, and products are delivered throughout Europe. VRC is particularly well known for its funky faux fur, street chic lines, Levi shorts, dresses and an eclectic mix of jackets and outer wear. They also stock various statement pieces, jewellery and accessories which are sourced worldwide. The store is made up of both old and new pieces of vintage and vintage-inspired stock from the 1960s to date, but also customises and re-design items, bringing life and glamour to the unlikeliest of pieces! The official website is currently under construction, but keep and eye on Facebook and Twitter (details below) for word of the launch.
Further South, Cork’s Miss Daisy Blue opened its doors in November 2009, situated beside the city’s famous English Market, soon earning a reputation for its high quality vintage clothing. A recent move to a larger unit along the Market Parade meant the shop finally had the space to properly showcase its fabulous range of clothes, which includes pieces from the 1930s right up to the ‘80s and including menswear and a vintage bridal range which will be launched in February. Now spread over two floors. Miss Daisy Blue has a more retro feel downstairs, while upstairs has a definite aura of Hollywood glamour. The shop interior boasts great pieces of salvaged Cork furnishings, including 1950s Cork Dry Gin boxes and pewter organ pipes from an old monastery in the city.
Home to a century of amazing costume jewellery, Rhinestones is one of Ireland’s finest treasure troves, stocking a huge range of antique, vintage and modern pieces. With an emphasis on art, fashion history and, of course, romance, Rhinestones has everything the nostalgic fashionista could covet, from early Victorian brooches, to romantic Edwardian keepsake lockets, to exquisite Venetian glass beads, to one-off 1960s studio creations and selected art and craft designs. A veritable Aladdin’s Cave of wearable riches, Rhinestones is the perfect place to start a love affair with vintage jewellery, or fan the flame that’s already burning.
For those on a really tight budget, charity shops are a great way to go, allowing you to incorporate vintage styles into your wardrobe without having to pay a visit to your local credit union. St. Vincent De Paul is a thrifter’s dream, while Gorta, The Freedom from Hunger Council of Ireland, have nine stores nationwide, all stocking unique items of clothes and accessories – brilliant if you’re channeling ‘60s London or ‘70s Americana, or if you just need a few exciting new accents to spruce up your look, safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting an important charity. Gorta has its shops to raise funds for its development programmes overseas where its primary objective is to contribute powerfully to the eradication of the causes of hunger and extreme thirst in the world. Gorta does this in a spirit of partnership with local organisations in its countries of operation, which include Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, The Gambia, and India. The best part? When that gorgeous vintage find no longer floats your boat, you can bring it back to your local Gorta store, to continue its charitable cycle!
Happy shopping!