Style By Numbers

I’m new to Dublin and a bit obsessed with finding a great deal for my fashion fix—this is a recession after all. So for my first city market, I decided to hit up the Toejam Carboot Sale—a semi-regular event (in desperate need of a new name) that gathers some of the best vintage, thrift and homespun wares that Dublin has to offer.

This isn’t high fashion. It’s a dusty, cold carpark in the middle of Dublin City Centre. What it lacks in glamour, the Toejam Carboot Sale more than makes up in character—something long absent from the typical Irish High Street.

It’s nestled in the back lot of the Bernard Shaw Pub—home to Dublin’s own unique brand of hipsters and the creative class. Candles and car headlights barely illuminate the stands while a DJ spins. Shoppers mingle in clusters around the stalls, knocking back pints of lager and glasses of Buckfast. I feel a bit little like an outsider, but am on a mission so I start making the rounds.

First up, I spot a red wool pencil skirt. A good way to size skirts is to wrap the waist band around your neck. I try this, and it should fit. I waver a bit, and then remember that my ample hips just aren’t meant for the pencil skirts.

Another stall specializes in vintage children’s clothing. I briefly consider stocking up on pieces for my inevitable child, but superstitions get the better of me. This is the future for my kids—parading around in brightly coloured tennis sweaters or Scandinavian inspired cardigans and plaid jumpers.

I’m about to give up hope for when a spotlight suddenly shines appears above a circular laundry line displaying a hodgepodge of thrifted goods. And there it is.

A sophisticated 1950’s style fitted cream sweater with elbow length sleeves, and delicate black pattern around all the edges is everything that I’ve been looking for. It is vintage (meaning it was conceived before MTV), but could easily fit into a modern wardrobe. Before becoming too attached, I quickly run through a checklist.

Is it my size? Check.

Any stains? All clear.

Is it moth bitten? Nope.

My imagination runs wild with possibilities for styling it. I can see myself pairing it with a short black tulip skirt, black tights and two-toned Mary Janes. Or tucking it into wide leg jeans, toped with a caramel leather bomber jacket and librarian spectacles. This sweater has possibilities and is so perfectly me.

I quickly pull it off the line, pay my €10 and head back through the pub, giving a knowing nod to my fellow vintage hounds as they stroll in. With this one piece, I finally feel part of an illusive club of Dublin fashionistas.

Vintage shopping is hard, especially in a new city. It takes endurance and imagination. Now that I’ve had my taste, I know there must be more treasures to find in this old city and I’ll leave no cobble unturned until I’ve found them all.

Toejam Carboot Sale returns to the Bernard Shaw Pub on Valentine’s Day from 1pm-6pm. Shopping by daylight highly recommended.