Om Diva: cutest boutique in Dublin?

With June around the corner, it's almost time to mark the 9th month of my fast fashion detox. Not that I'm really keeping count any more. At this stage, choosing vintage over high street fashion is just how I shop; it doesn't feel like a challenge.

It's become such a non-story in my life that I haven't really felt the need to blog about it... Sorry about that!  I've bought a few vintage pieces here and there but didn't feel like it was anything worth posting about. 

Recently however I visited Om Diva near the George’s Street Arcade. Although it had been recommended to me when I started the detox, it had fallen off my vintage radar. Passing the shop recently though, the lovely big Yes Equality sticker in the window caught my eye and I remembered that they had a basement full of vintage fashion. 

With contemporary fashion upstairs and vintage downstairs, Om Diva is probably the prettiest little boutique in Dublin. Pink stairs lead down to the vintage basement which is decorated with fairy lights and jewelled hangers.

Something I've noticed since shopping exclusively vintage and second hand is that lots of vintage styles do not suit my body type at all (boooo!). Having a narrow waist and shoulders but wide hips, means that most of the 'straight up and down' styles trendy in vintage shops right now just do not work for me. So when I found myself browsing rails and rails of pretty, waisted dresses in Om Diva, I knew it would be difficult for me to walk away empty handed. 

I picked up three pieces: two jumpers and my new favourite dress. This dress might not look so exciting in the photos but I LOVE it. The fit is just perfect for me. I love the full, lined skirt, the long sleeves and the fittest waist. It's so comfortable and flattering. The dress cost €55 and the jumpers were about €30 each. 

If I wasn't delighted enough to pick up some nice new vintage bits the owner of the shop made my day by gifting me a pair of Dior style earrings. How cool are these? Just need an excuse to wear them now.

Whether you're into vintage or not, do pop in to Om Diva the next time your passing. Local shops like this deserve our business and I know you'll find something you love there! Check out there website: http://www.omdivaboutique.com/ 

Thanks for reading!

X

PS With only 3 months to go until I complete my challenge to live without fast fashion for a year, I'm starting to think about what kind of  brands I will support once the challenge is over. If you have any recommendations for ethical fashion brands, please let me know! Get in touch on twitter @marylquinn.

No Regrets!!

So it's been almost 3 weeks since I made the decision to stop buying fast fashion. I must admit there have already been several moments  of panic/regret where I worried that I've set myself up for too much of a challenge. I've noticed myself lusting after everything from trendy jumpers to gym pants and feeling sorry for myself that I can't have them. I've find myself worrying "what if I get invited to a wedding?!". Then I remember that these are ridiculous concerns and people in the world have real problems. I also remind myself that lovely things are still accessible, I just need to re-adjust my shopping routine.

Today I decided to prove to myself that shopping second-hand doesn't mean giving up on buying nice things. On the recommendation of my good pal Anne Marie I decided to check out Om Diva. Close to one of my favourite teenage haunting sites, George's Arcade, this is a shop I've passed many times but never stopped to have a look inside. I'm glad I did. The vintage part of the shop is downstairs and it's so cute I had to take a picture:

I tried on a few dresses here; they were lovely but just not the right fit for me. I will be back!

While I was in town, I also decided to check out Shotsy in Temple Bar. My visit here reassured me that my concerns were unfounded. Firstly, Shotsy has some seriously beautiful dresses so weddings / Christmas parties are covered. Secondly, I had a lovely chat with the ladies behind Shotsy about ethical fashion and buying second-hand. Not only did they make some brilliant suggestions for books I should check out but they also made me feel that this challenge is totally do-able. I'm hoping to make a visit to Shotsy again either tomorrow or next week and will take pictures the next time so keep an eye out for that!

Mary x