Style By Numbers

The Down Syndrome Center told me “Buy my dress” and I said, “OK!”

Today on my lunch break I headed out  the Royal College of Physicians to peruse the racks of “lightly loved” dresses donated by ladies across Dublin for Buy My Dress, a fantastic fundraiser to aid the Down Syndrome Centre.

I picked up a sweet little cotton dress from Zara for €20, perfect for summer. It fits like a glove, with deep V in the front and back and rouching around the waist.

If you missed the one-day sale, make yourself a reminder now for next year. And start going through that closet to earmark frocks to donate. There couldn’t be a better way to make good use of your old dresses!

I’ve been told that I have to thank my dear husband for reminding me about this event. And I am very impressed that he gave me the green light to shop. Not that I need permission, that’s what lunch breaks are for, right?

There were lots of lovely dresses to take home from designer to the high street, wedding and bridesmaid’s dresses, ball gowns, loads of LBDs and cute little summer dresses.

I was impressed by the organisation of the event. While there were plenty of ladies in attendance, everyone was calm polite and helpful. I’ve seen plenty of sales where the claws come out, so it’s good to see kindness for such a good cause. The Royal College of Physicians is a classy venue with plenty of space for changing rooms and racks and racks of dresses.

I’m delighted with my find, but struggled with making my final decision. Should I also take home the khaki peasant skirt from Monsoon or the Dorthy Perkins black polplin tea dress, the drop-waist black lace tunic or the polka dot shift dress? While they were all great finds, I decided the €20 dress + €10 entry fee was all I could afford today. Next year I’m definitely bringing girlfriends to help make the decisions easier.