Sip'n'Save

Sip'n'Save at Siopaella:

Two of my favourite things about Dublin are the music and the shopping scenes. As a true and very faithful Dub (hon the Dubs) I have come to know where the best places to find both are. From up and coming indie bands in Whelans to The Foggy Dew’s Sunday night scat band there really is a diverse range of music to be found. 

Now, shopping is another thing that Dublin does quite well. However, in order to find the best places to shop for one off gems you really need to know where to go. In my unbiased opinion I really believe Siopaella is the best place to shop to be able to find pieces that are different to the high street. I say that without bias as I have been both a customer and consignor before I began working here (now I have the triple whammy as an employee).

So Dublin, with its diverse music and unique shopping… What happens when we blend the two? If you’re like me it’s a dream come true (rhyming was unintended). Well, ladies and gentlemen, Siopaella is here to make that dream a reality.

On Thursday 10^th July, we at Siopaella are hosting a Sip’n’Save party. There will be music on the night by the gorgeous singer Valerie Coyne and her band mates Carole Nelson (piano) and Bill Blackmore (trumpet). Having had the privilege to have already heard this trio in an intimate gig in the Odessa I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Her pitch perfect voice is fluid-like and flawless with soft tones when needed and powerful moments that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Not only will your ears be kissed by the sweet music and your taste buds refreshed by delicious nibbles and drinks but your wallet will also reap the benefits as there will be special discounts in-store on the night. It really does not get any better than that…well other than the fact that we’ll be there and we really are the best company (toot toot – that’s us tooting our own horns).

However, there is catch but it is entirely up to you whether or not you play along. We’re hoping that for one night only Siopaella will be transformed into a world away from 21^st century Temple Bar and into a New York, underground, smoky, cocktail club (smoking is still prohibited but you know a girl can imagine). So, to do this we need your help. We would love for you guys to dress up.  Think vintage cocktails, speakeasies and prohibition era America. Even if it’s just a feather boa, streams of pearls or a sleek bob hairstyle we’ll love you forever for trying.

All you have to do now is say yes, cancel all plans you had for that night (it’s going to be a lonely night for my cat) and show up. We’re going to make the effort and dress up and we hope you do too J

Ciara x

https://www.facebook.com/valeriecoynemus

Siopaella Homewares

A New Adventure

Over the past couple of weeks something rather new and exciting has been happening at Siopaella and before you start guessing, no it’s not a new puppy for the shop although I think Mr Louis and Mrs Raquel would make fantastic parents…actually on second thoughts, no, no they definitely would not and I’m sure anyone who has met (or been humped) by Raquel would agree!

  

Instead (you better not be disappointed), it’s the introduction of our home wares line which means both you and your home can be decked out in beautiful, one off Siopaella finds. At the moment the majority of our home wares are sourced from the souks (that’s the Arabic word for market) in Morocco. Our stock includes beautiful leather poufs, handmade brass pendant lights, glass candle holders and more.

 These Arabic pieces remind me of Disney’s Aladdin, in fact we even have a magic carpet although we do not encourage trying to fly on it and in doing so may be harmful to you and or others around you. My favourite thing about these Moroccan pieces is that they bring another world and different cultured beauty that is so difficult to find in Ireland straight to your home.

There are also vintage Pepsi and Coco-Cola crates that are fabulous for storing jewellery or for creating an original book case. The ideas for the crates are endless and we at Siopaella love coming up with different ways to display and use these rustic pieces.

Speaking of rustic, the vintage train lights are so rustically rusty that they have transitioned into little treasures. They are ideal for hanging up outdoors and becoming the perfect candle holders. Allow your friends to become green with jealousy as they eye up your new (yet incredibly vintage) train lights at your summer barbeque (which we will of course be invited to).

Our aim is to expand more into home wares as this was a real love and old hobby of Ella’s when she lived in Vancouver. If there is anything you would like to see introduced to our home ware line please do let us know although we can’t promise we will ever find a real life magic carpet but we will never stop looking.

Ciara x

Frockadvisor App Launch at Siopaella

Frockadvisor App Launch:

On Thursday evening we at Siopaella opened our doors to host an event with the rather fabulous Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. While prosecco was drank and giggles were had the aim of the event was to spread the word about the darling duos new app; Frockadvisor. It’s an app not only for boutiques like us at Siopaella but also for you and me, customers on the Irish market who love buying quality and buying Irish.

The app allows you to discover the Irish market through “fotocons” (a word they coined themselves and are very very proud of). 

In a world of Topshop dresses and Zara skirts being worn in every pub and club, having the ability to shop the Irish market exclusively and being able to put up photos of what you are looking for is so refreshing.  I’m a girl that likes my clothes to be different. Since working at Siopaella I have started to buy more one off gems that come through our doors. Going out on a night out wearing these gems I feel a sense of pride and confidence, not only because I enjoy the thrill of shopping for these one off pieces but also because I’m supporting Irish businesses. However, when I come in from a day off work and see what one of the girls has nabbed, it makes me feel like I've missed out on that item (you should know fights are common in Siopaella HQ due to us all wanting the same items). With this app, you never miss out. It’s shopping on the go, whether you are on the bus, in the bath or cuddled in bed with your cat (just my average night).

The event began when Sonya and her smile (my goodness the woman has a beautiful smile) arrived in our Crow Street store. Steve then popped open the first bottle of prosecco (my favourite sound after a long day of work). Soon after Brendan came bouncing in carrying a bottle of champagne, a definite way to become our bff – yes Brendan is our new bff, don’t be jealous!

Sonya and Brendan then presented the app to our guests who quickly reached for their smartphones to download it. The pair and their fabulous team were on hand to answer any of our questions about the app and to iron out any issues we were having with it. A lot of oohs and aahs were said as they very patiently helped the more tech-illiterate of us (cough, me, cough) but I can seriously vouch for the clarity and simplicity of this app.

After more prosecco and even a bit of shopping, the guests began leaving and we began clearing things away. On a high from the event myself and two of the other girls decided to go out and chat about the night in a local pub. It was goodbye to the fancy prosecco and hello to the plain, old fashioned pints (we really do try our best to be as glamorous as possible).

Waking up the next morning was a snap back to reality as the heels were left at home and lunches were packed. A little fuzzy headed we cycled, walked and got the bus to work dreaming of our next event but until then it’s back to cat cuddling in bed …or until Brendan brings us out for cocktails. As our new bff he better not let us down ;)

Ciara x

Rick Owens is opening a nightclub...

And we want to party there!!

"I will be doing a London version of the Spotlight Club - a club that I do sporadically in Paris," the designer told Vogue. "Nothing fancy, just a late-night dance party with some friends. I had been missing a dark, seedy dance spot in Paris, so I started one myself."

Well, Rick I suppose if you want something done right!

But the obvious question is, what does one wear to party at Owens' club? Here's what we're thinking ...

There's got to be some Rick Owens leather in there somewhere ...

 

And a little Prabal Gurung ...

 

We can't resist this Haider Ackermann ...

 

Finished off with some killer Saint Laurents ...

 

And the coolest Oscar de la Renta chain!

 

 

Oh and who would we be if we forgot a killer bit of arm candy?! We think this Shourouk crystal embellished, PVC clutch is worthy of any Rick Owens party!

 

What do you guys think? Good enough for Rick? Let us know what you'd wear to what will be the most fashionable spot in town!

 

 

 

 

[Images: vogue.co.uk and net-a-porter.com]

Beyoncé for H&M Amazingness!

Ok tell me Beyoncé is the only one who looks this good in H&M *puts down Dairy Milk*!

Here's Mrs Carter's campaign video for H&M with her song 'Standing on the Sun'. Filmed in the Bahamas, this will also be a track on her new album. 

Apparently the video represents the opposing nature of the four elements. But let's face it, it's all about Bey looking unreal on a beach!

:) Katie

Buying Trip Wishlist!

If you haven't heard, Ella and Steve are off to Berlin on a buying trip next week! 

Style Off!

Pretty in Pink vs Androgynous Tux

I'm thinking most people will have a definite 'side' on this one! 

Spring Bridal Beautiful-ness!

Vera Wang

Whether you're walking down the aisle in the near future or not, is there anything more fun than looking at all the poofiness of wedding dresses? 

Catwalk Craving: Natalie B Coleman

If you're new to Natalie B Coleman's designs, well, where have you been?! The Irish designer is a master of print and her SS'13 collection, 'Sarah's Suitcase', is just gorgeous!! If you're a colour-lover then this is the line for you. 

The tropical colours will have you in the summer mood (yes, even in Ireland!). But it's not just pretty prints, the tailoring and craftsmanship behind each piece is remarkable. This is high fashion, folks.

I am dying for this oversized dress! I love the almost sporty feel to it and the colours are enough to convert even me (navy and white is about a wild as I get!). Check out her collection over on Natalie B Coleman - be ready to fall in love!!

:) Katie

Style Off: Borrowing from the Boys!

Think of your boyfriend's, brother's or dad's wardrobe as your best untapped, fashion resource. There's gems to be found - yes ever if you're a girlie girl - so get in there and start playing dress-up!

Bag of the Week!

Chloé Paddington

 

 

I'm drooling over this Chloé beauty this week - it's just so lovely!! In mint condition and the perfect shade of brown.

 

 

 

I mean, it'd be a practical purchase ... right?!

 

:) Katie

Red Carpet Fashion: MTV Music Awards!

 

 

The Oscars seem like a distant memory at this stage but if you're craving some red carpet style check out what everyone wore to the MTV Music Awards last night!

DSquared2 to Outfit Mrs Carter

It's the tour that everyone is talking about and we've just found out that DSquared2 will be creating a custom 'show-stopper' for Beyoncé. 

Get the Look: Simone Rocha

It's no secret that we're massive fans of the Irish designer and when we saw a chance to steal her AW'13 catwalk look we just couldn't wait until the change of season!

Style Off!

Printed Trousers!

Printed trousers are everywhere, from cartoon-print skinnies to the brightest silky, pj-style bottoms. We've some amazing pairs in-store at the minute so a Style Off had to be done! 

Get Ready-to-Wear Nails with Dior!

Always wanted to have your very own piece of Christian Dior? We'll now you can get your paws on the latest RTW fashion ... on your nails. 

Is 90's Vintage?

Tell me this, do you consider 90's pieces as vintage? We've had customers and friends argue both sides of the case with surprising passion. So we're putting it to you ...

Happy Birthday Marc Jacobs!

If there's one designer we love here at siopaella it's Marc Jacobs, and we know all of you love him too - the last satchel consigned to us sold in two minutes FLAT!! Well the man himself is turning 50 today, if you can believe it to look at him!

Style Off!

Saturday Night!

It may be the beginning of the week but after our seriously busy weekend at the Dog's Life sale, we're already dreaming of Saturday night! So today's Style Off is comparing two very different, but very lovely night out looks. 

Oh the Great Gatsby fashion!

I am so excited for May and the release of the Great Gatsby (this coming from a girl who hasn't been to the cinema since the Inbetweeners movie!). The book is a brilliant and beautiful but come on, Baz Luhrmann, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, even an Amy Winehouse track ... the movie is going to be epic!