Meet the Team - Big T

Meet the Team; Big T:

Big T or Tanya Cash as she is better known is one of the longest serving staff members to work in Siopaella (God love her). She’s our little bobbed hair, big smile ball of sunshine (post coffee only). She began as we all did, as a minion, I mean intern haha. With training, dedication and hard work Big T has earned her the title of assistant manager.

Tanya’s background is in performing arts (a talent that is a huge asset working here especially when dealing with difficult customers). She attended Sligo IT and graduated with her specialty in costume design for the theatre.

Tanya’s style is Victorian queen with a dash of quirky, colourful jewellery. Her favourite designer is Vivienne Westwood and she has been known to buy most of our Westwood pieces before they even get the chance to hit the floor (the best perk of the job).

Big T is the responsible one of the group. She’s the one with her head screwed on and regularly tells us when it’s time to call it a night and head home from the pub. I swear that girl does not suffer from hangovers! 

She’s a sweetheart who’s funny, kind and has the biggest laugh! Come in, tell her a joke and hear it for yourself!

Three fun facts about Big T:

1.       Tanya's favourite shade of lipstick is MAC's Lady Danger.

2.       Her dissertation was in 18^th Century Georgian fashion

3.       Her favourite city is Brighton because of its vintage and alternative scene

For more on Big T you can follow her here:  

Instagram- tanyacash07

Twitter- tanyacash07

Ciara x

Viva La Vintage

Viva La Vintage

Now I may only be Siopaella’s little monkey on a typewriter but I speak/write for all of us when I say we love vintage. So much so that there are very often fights over who gets what when a vintage haul comes in! You know this though, you know we love vintage and until recently I thought everyone loved vintage but oh no how wrong I was. 

Myself and Ella wearing our Siopaella vintage printed shirts

My new future bff Dawn O’Porter(I’m hoping she agrees to this alliance) recently launched her own show on Channel 4 called This Old Thing. If you haven’t watched it yet, then shame on you. Stop reading this immediately make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and catch up with it on 4od.

Dawn O'Porter - My future BFF ;)

What surprised me most about the show was how many people are put off by vintage. I can understand that beginning to shop and stock your wardrobe with predominantly vintage pieces can be a daunting process but there are some people out there who are just so against it due to it being smelly, ancient, outdated or ridiculous. Vintage is none of the above. It’s special, unique, exciting and beautiful…that is if you know where to look.

Dawn O'Porter

Our vintage mostly comes from our lovely consignors who like us are vintage crazy! However, roughly twice a year, Ella and Steve go on sneaky buying trips to Vancouver and come home with hordes of amaaaaazing vintage.
**Secret Time**
Ella and Steve will return from one of these buying trips at the end of August ;) I’m delighted as it’s just in time for ElectricPicnic which means my festival wardrobe is sorted!!

Ella in a vintage warehouse in Canada

Not sure on how to start shopping vintage? Here are a few of my tips:

·         Know Your Measurements: This is especially important for buying online. Don’t just go for what the size says as this could be an American size and also sizes were much smaller back then. Know your bust, waist and hips as these are the biggest problem areas. If buying from us do PM us and we can give you all the details you need!

Tanya's vintage OOTD

·         Be Open Minded: A vintage store can be a treasure throve, filled with one of kind amazing goodies. I will admit though, walking into a vintage store can be overwhelming due to it being stocked with just “one of everything” rather than a rail of the same piece. Don’t let this throw you. Take a deep breath and plunge in. If something tickles your fancy TRY IT ON. Clothing is made to be worn not to hang on a hanger. By trying it on you will get the full idea and will know instantly if it is for you.

Brendan Courtney & Eileen in her Siopaella vintage dress

·         Be Yourself: Yes, vintage allows you to create a personal style that is different to girls who buy predominantly from the high street but it is still important to be true to yourself.   Whether that means mixing vintage with the high street, wearing vintage jewelry or just sticking to colours and styles that you feel comfortable in, it’s all up to you. The most important thing is for you to wear the piece and not for the piece to wear you!

Sinéad and her Siopaella vintage earrings 

So there you go, remember these simple tips and you'll be a vintage vixen in no time (love me a bit of alliteration) J Happy shopping

Ciara x

**MORE SECRETS** Shop our vintage collection here ;)

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

Buying Trip Wishlist!

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

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 ...

Just Two More Days!!

We're getting the mountain of clothes, shoes and accessories all sorted (seriously, the pile is bigger than Ella!!), and it really looks like this €4 A Dog's Life sale will be the best one yet.

Style Off!

Rock Chic v Pretty Florals

This is a big one and we want to know what side of the fence you fall on. So go on, tell us, are you all about the rocker chic or are you more of an all-things-pretty kind of lady?

Fashion News: Marilyn Manson for Saint Laurent Paris

I think Yves Saint Laurent is going through its teenage, rebellious period. Four big things have happened at the brand recently; firstly Hedi Slimane was named creative director. Then he changed the name to Saint Laurent Paris. Thirdly, he took the brand back to the 90's with his grunge AW'13 show. And finally Marilyn Manson seems to have been made their menswear campaign star.

Style Off!

Mini vs Maxi

Proof that changing one piece can give a totally different look - but the important question is, which one is your favourite?

Steal Their Style!

Rihanna

Style Off!

The Wedding Debate

We've had so many customers in looking for wedding outfits that I had to do a bit of a Style Off. 

Style Off!

Minimalist vs Maximalist

Two looks that are always in style one way or another - simple, clean lines or bright pops of print. So what side of the fence do you fall on? Are you all about the basics or do you pack as much colour into your look as possible? 

Why Shopping Consignment is Awesome!

... in our very un-biased opinion!!

Vintage had it's moment a couple of years ago, now it's all about the consignment stores! Although they're a pretty new concept in Ireland the uptake we've seen has been amazing, by both consigners and customers!

PHOTOSHOOT: Skyfall Style

With all the buzz surrounding the latest Bond movie, we thought it was only right to base our latest shoot on all things 007. 

We raided the rails for the suavest suits and most sultry dresses and were lucky enough to have Sarah and Darrach to braved the Dublin chill on the roof!

Sarah: Karen Millen dress & clutch, own shoes; Darrach: FCUK suit, Hugo Boss shoes,  Ted Baker shirt, bow-tie from Tango, Temple Bar.

Sarah: Burberry silver/grey silk dress with cap sleeves, double-strand pearl necklace, own shoes.

Darrach: FCUK 3-piece suit, Ted Baker shirt & Liberty print tie.

Sarah: Whistles red velvet suit with satin trim; Darrach: Zara pink shirt, FCUK grey trousers, Zara navy trench coat.

Sarah: Zara tan trench coat, Guess navy jersey dress, own shoes; Darrac; Guess wool coat, Gucci black shirt, FCUK trousers, Hugo Boss shoes.

Models:        Sarah @ Andrea Roche
               Darrach @ Fraser Models

Shot & styled: Katie Clinton

Calling All Ugly Christmas Jumpers!

We want your ugly Christmas jumpers. We're talking the really ugly ones - the brightest, weirdest, flashiest there is; extra points if it can actually light up!!

Purple Reign

Go as bright and bold as you dare with the ruling colour this season

There’s always one colour that comes out on top for autumn/winter and this season it’s purple. This is one shade that’s got all sorts of good connotations – it’s the colour of royal robes and luxury of all sorts. 

It’s got richness and passion sewn right in there. What’s not to love? We’ve got some princely pieces at both the Siopaella stores right now that have this trend all sewn up, whether you want to go all-out or just dabble.

For those a little unsure about the all-over colour, siopaella has some great accessories like this cosy knit hat. And if it's something to fight the frost you're after then this vintage knit jumper with a lurex thread will keep you warm and stylish. 

For something longer the full-length, super chunky cardigan below is a great choice. Just wrap a skinny belt around it for that perfect hourglass figure!

Don't rule out purple for the office either! This Helen McAlinden (above) paisley piece will hit two trends with one ... skirt; and it's a great day to nighter. 

For something a little more formal then velvet is the only way to go. This winey-purple dress is a great office alternative to black and, what do you know, velvet is another massive winter trend!

We've so many more purple goodies in-store - call in to say hello and have a gander, & don't forget to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for all the goings-on :)

Catwalk images: ElleUK

Coolest Cover-ups

From classy to crazy and back again; the coat came in all shapes and sizes this season!

Let’s face it, this being Ireland means you’re probably never too far from your coat; it’s less a fashion accessory and more an essential if you ever want to, you know, go outside. Still that doesn’t mean that you can’t look super-stylish and cosy, does it? 

This season anything goes, from oversized at Jil Sander, to the boldest print at Marc Jacobs, to the super-furry at House of Holland. Or you can opt for a classic like a mac, á la Burberry Prorsum.

The weather is definitely taken a turn for the autumn and that means that yes, you once again have add those extra layers. Don’t let the winter blues get to you though – siopaella has some uh-mazing coats and cover-ups to keep you toasty.

Aquascutum for Harrods London

Who ever said autumn/winter was the time for dark colours? Check out this beautiful vintage Aquascutum tweed coat made exclusively for Harrods London (that’s some serious vintage credentials!). The reds, greens and blues in this number are bound to lift even the most rain-soaked spirit.

Gestuz mac and pint patent belt (sold seperately)

If you’re a classic kind of girl then this beige Gestuz mac will be right up your street. Great for unpredictable weather and known to be one of the most flattering coat shapes, this is one that won’t go out of style. Dress it up with a coloured belt like we’ve done here or just leave it open for that oh-so-cool Paris chic.

Vintage Faux Fur

Ah, but you want to make a real statement with your winter staple? Well we haven’t got the House of Holland striped number in (yet!) but check out this beauty. How Carrie-Bradshaw-fabulous is this? It's mid-calf length and there's some weight in that faux. You won't go cold this winter!

Oh we’ve so got you covered for the chillier months to come. Pop in to say hello and check out the rest of our stock or take a look at our 'winter warmers' albums for Crow St and Temple Lane on Facebook! :)