Recycle your style with Siopaella

I've noticed that since I started this challenge almost 6 months ago (that's right, almost halfway there!) that I've had two different types of shopping experiences when buying second hand. One is all about trying to find basic items to fill gaps in my wardrobe like a simple black top to go with a skirt I already own or leggings for the gym. Typically to find these pieces I look in charity shops. The other experience is more a little more exciting - it's about buying for fun. In this scenario, I find myself in one of the many cute vintage shops scattered across Dublin.

Recently, I discovered something that fits somewhere in between the two - Siopaella. Siopaella (meaning Ella's shop) is a place I had visited before starting this challenge without realising it sold second hand goods. Based in Dublin’s Temple Bar, the shop is divided across 3 locations. Each shop caters for a different demographic; men, women and designer brands.  

I love these cute bags!

The great thing about Siopaella is that it combines the kind of second hand high street fashion that you hope to find at a charity shop (but at much better quality than many charity shops) and the fun, boutique vibe of a vintage store. The staff at Siopaella are great too; really friendly and very helpful.

So, how does it works? I asked the cashier about this the last time I was visiting and she explained that Siopaella allows people to sell, consign or swap clothes. According to their website:

By consigning to Siopaella, you, as the consignor, receive 40% to 80% of the final sales price, depending on the item’s resale value, and we keep your items for up to 3 months *. As a guideline, you will receive 40% of the final selling price of most high street and vintage items and up to 80% on couture and high-end designer pieces such as Chanel, Cartier and Hermes.

I haven't consigned anything to Siopaella myself. Usually if I'm doing a wardrobe clearout I donate my clothes to the nearest charity shop but if you have high quality pieces or designer items and would like to make a few bucks then maybe Siopaella is for you.

I have purchased from Siopaella though! Although the designer shop stocks some really great brands (Chanel handbags anyone?!) big names aren't really my thing. Instead I headed to the women's fashion branch around the corner, where I picked up this silky hoodie (above). Originally from Bershka (you'll find a lot of high street brands here) I thought this hoodie was a lot of fun and something a bit different. I can't remember the price anymore (sorry!) but I did remember thinking it was more expensive than charity shops. Siopaella is a for-profit business after all and considering the high quality of the clothes there, I was happy enough!

Couldn't say no to this print!

Considering the recent close of Shotsy, I think it’s more important than ever to support sustainable shops like this. I totally recommend checking it out the next time you're in town. As they say themselves, by shopping with Siopaella you can “Recycle your style today, and smile knowing that you’re doing your part for the environment – and your wallet!”