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.
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| 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!
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| 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!”
