Clothing swap shops and brilliant boudoirs for savvy shopping in 2012

As 2012 opens for business, most of the country is having a long hard think about what impossible resolutions they can manage to dream up and break speedily this year. From walking to work, to going to the gym nine times a week, and of course the old giving up smoking/drinking/Facebook, most of these resolutions will be broken by the time January ends.

Despite all the hollow promises, for those with a keen interest in fashion and clothes, there’s one resolution that’s worth making and keeping this year. Across Ireland since the proverbial hit the fan with the economic collapse, men and women have been coming together in darkened rooms to swap...clothes. A legacy of our personal debt and lack of disposable income perhaps, the clothes swapping phenomenon is only going to keep growing it seems.

Most of us have old or unworn dresses, suits, jeans and shoes at the back of our wardrobe, which we don’t wear for one reason or another, but which may be coveted by others! There are also many shoppers who own dresses, shoes and tops which were worn once for a special occasion, and may not be worn again. Why not make a resolution to have a clear out every few months, and attempt to swap or borrow before splashing big on any item of clothing? Bargain chic is totally in this season darling, and here are three of the leaders of the trend. One thing to remember though, quality is a prerequisite of most good swap shops and events, so if you’re bringing anything along, make sure it’s not old and tatty!

Fashionista Events Ireland

Fashionista is a new Irish company, dreamt up by two sisters, Laura and Claire Erskine, while both were on maternity leave. With the aim to host regular events where recessionista fashionistas can sell their quality fashion items, the sisters are doing it for themselves, and giving ladies the opportunity to refresh their wardrobe by bringing together buyers and sellers at these events. Sellers, for a nominal fee of just €20 per clothing rail, can clear their wardrobe of still new or barely worn items of clothing. On the other hand, buyers benefit from a quality injection of 'new to you' designer label fashion, but without the hefty price tag. Entry to an event costs around €3 for anyone not selling, and previous events have seen labels like Calvin Klein, LK Bennett, Paul Costello, Reiss, Ted Baker, Coast, Monsoon, Karen Millen and more, all sold for a fraction of their cost price. The next event for the sisters is in Fallon & Byrne on Saturday 4th February and all the information can be found on their clothes swapping website.

Swopshop

Dublin’s only full-time 'fashion exchange' is in the heart of Temple Bar, at the hip Crow Street bazaar. At Swopshop, you can upgrade the old wardrobe you’re tiring of at a fraction of high-street prices. There are numerous great bargains and a huge turnover of stock, as customers can use their own clothing and accessories as currency! Recently voted 'fashion retailer of the year' at the Dublin Living Awards, celeb customers to have darkened the door include model Faye Dinsmore and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). A relatively small service charge applies to transactions, and owner of Swopshop, Adele Geoghegan, is very particular about the type and quality of items she accepts, so you’re far more likely to find a once worn Calvin Klein dress than someone’s old tattered jumper from 1983! Items must be wearable, clean and relatively in season. You can find out much more on their website.

Covet: The Borrowers Boudoir

Have you ever felt the need to covet thy neighbour’s wardrobe? Are you fed up with, or left guilt stricken by the mass of formal dresses that you’ve accumulated and will never wear again? Or, are you looking for a special outfit for an upcoming event, but not willing to spend too much? Well, Covet is a fashion borrower’s boudoir in the stylish Powerscourt Centre that offers you the key to Dublin’s most stylish wardrobe! A team of fashion fanatics, the Covet staff maintain a meticulously edited collection, which features fashion and accessories from the world’s leading designers and exquisite vintage collectibles, all available for rent at just a fraction of the retail price. In the small Dublin 2 store, you’ll find designers like Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Christian Louboutin. Covet also offers styling, hair and makeup, personal shopping, alterations and much more. Covet is the savvy shopper’s paradise, and with bi-monthly sales designed to clean the shop of stock, it’s guilt-free shopping for the masses!

So, here are three great options to start the year the right way. Keep your resolution, look great and maintain some of that money in your pocket. Do come back to us in December and tell us how you’ve done!