With little else to do these days, you might be finding yourself window shopping online more. Maybe you add a few things to your cart... Maybe you buy a few things too many, as a treat... Maybe you repeat the process four more times for good measure.
Right now, buying new clothes you're not going to wear out for weeks can be an easy way to brighten a tough week, but constantly buying fast fashion isn't good for your wallet or the environment.
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, the fashion industry was being upended by a greater demand for sustainability, and more shoppers were seeking out ethical, second-hand or vintage pieces.
With that in mind, now might be your chance to invest time and money in vintage shopping. Maybe you could save the pennies you'd be spending on childcare, transport and socialising and them towards buying something you've lusted after for years, or something truly unique.
There's no thrill like stumbling across a vintage Gucci blouse, an artisanal handmade blouse from Mexico or one-of-a-kind baubles. Just be forewarned: the chase can get addictive. Here, we've rounded up some of the best sellers for vintage clothing, all Irish based and all selling online for your browsing pleasure.
Vintage Finds You, Co. Dublin
We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Fully curated by owner Naomi Fitzgibbon, Vintage Finds You is the ideal starting point for the novice vintage hunter. Her collection is modest compared to the vintage mega-stores in London and New York City, but this makes it all the most enjoyable to scroll through – not to mention, not overwhelming.
Naomi collects true vintage pieces, from designer labels like Prada to lesser-known high-quality brands, from all over the world. Some standouts include a shimmering 1940's cocktail dress, a Czech crystal necklace in a riot of colours and a burgundy Balenciaga dress, but the full collection includes pieces from the 30's to the 90's.
Spice Vintage, Co. Limerick
Vintage Levis? Check. Handpainted jackets? Check. Trendy vintage designer gems? Check. Spice Vintage has the kind of Instagram feed that makes you feel cooler just by looking at it, so you can imagine the treasures its shop holds.
If you want to look this fresh, though, you gotta be quick. Instead of an online shop, Spice sells through Instagram Stories, with new drops coming every few days. Follow for finds like an orange Moschino blazer, a Versace turquoise two-piece that Barbie would be jealous of.
Siopaella, Co. Dublin
No doubt where many of us dipped our toe into vintage, Siopaella is the brainchild of Ella De Guzman, head buyer and owner. Specialising in re-selling designer pieces, especially handbags, the store buys second-hand items from customers and naturally picks up a few stunning vintage pieces along the way.
Siopaella's four shops are closed for the time being but Ella is active on Instagram where she talks viewers through each new arrival, each one of which is fully authenticated and prepped for sale. Head over there for luxury pieces from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and more.
I Can Tell By the Moon, Co. Dublin
Specialising in romantic and feminine pieces that would look at home in a Fellini film, I Can Tell By the Moon is the perfect go-to for your summer wardrobe. Owner Vittoria handpicks her selection of white cotton blouses, camisoles, slips and dresses. It's less like the trendy vintage you see on Instagram influencers, more the kind of pieces that spin whole books of stories.
Standout finds have included a frothy pink chiffon jacket, a 70s folk nightgown with red ribbon ties and a German-made Richelieu cutwork blouse. So if your lockdown look is Lord Byron telling ghost stories in a Swiss villa, look no further.
Vito Vintage, Co. Limerick
Looking for that perfect summer gúna? Vito Vintage is the place to look. Curated with a keen eye for bold prints and striking patterns, Vito Vintage's collection is full of 70's maxi dresses, perfect for lounging out the back and conning yourself into believing you're on a Mediterranean island. If you want to lounge in luxury, however, there are a few stunning vintage kimonos up for grabs.
When it comes to accessories, they really shine, and the sartorially bold can snatch up blue leather boots, eyecatching belts and more. Their selection of vintage leather bags is especially good, with patchwork satchels and rich crocodile-print pieces among the finds.
