With our social calendars already filling up for the month of December, it’s tempting to hit the shops and splash out on a few new sparkly pieces. This year, why not opt for something different by renting or buying something nearly new: it can work out more sustainable and wallet friendly …
Happy Days
The appetite for fashion rental is still on the up. Irish rental company Happy Days offers an efficient and straightforward service. Browse online through fashion-forward labels like Rixo, Sézane, Ganni and ALC. Your chosen dress will be couriered to you on the first day of your chosen rental date (make sure to pick the day before your event to ensure you have it on time) and picked up from your front door on the last day of your rental period. The Happy Days festive collection is available to rent both online and in-store at the pop-up Happy Days Christmas Market which runs until January 7, 2024 at The Mart House, 18 Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18. www.happy-days.ie
ALC
Yellow Delfina one-shoulder cutout plissé-vegan leather midi dress, ALC, €120 for three days, at Happy Days
INEZ & PAULIE
Meanwhile, check out newly-launched vintage couture brand Inez & Paulie. Shopping vintage taps into the growing desire for the fashion industry to be more eco-friendly. This Dublin-based specialist sources rare vintage couture for connoisseurs and collectors. “Inez & Paulie embraces the circular economy,” says founder Katie Byrne. “These are pieces to be cherished, passed down or even sold on. But never, ever thrown away,” she adds. Expect labels like Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Versace, and Christian Lacroix, sourced from all over the world. Launching online later this month, the first drop can be viewed on Instagram at @inezandpaulie
YVES SAINT LAURENT
Gold Heart cabochon clip-on earrings, Yves Saint Laurent, €450, at Inez & Paulie
THRIFTIFY
Alternatively, get your charity shop fix online at Thriftify.ie: make a sustainable fashion choice while supporting Irish charity shops. If you’re looking for a new festive LBD or a pair of sparkling shoes, you would need to scour a lot of charity shops before you find the right ones in your size. With Thriftify, a huge selection of products across a number of charity shops are all online, genius! www.thriftify.ie
