Shopping for classic clothes with vintage queen extraordinaire Irene O’Brien

Irene O’Brien is behind all the best vintage fashion shoots. So imagine how excited Paula Burns was when Irene took her vintage shopping?

WHEN I told my friends that vintage queen extraordinaire Irene O’Brien was going to style me in vintage wear for a photo shoot, one of the first questions I was asked was would it be in Downton Abbey style. Yes it was a bloke who asked but in a way it confirmed the costume fear that surrounds wearing vintage.

I must admit I haven’t dabbled in vintage wear in a few years. Back when Carrie Bradshaw made vintage cool thanks to the styling mastermind of Patricia Field I tried to channel my inner Carrie, but I’m not quite sure I ever really pulled it off.

While I may not be brave enough to step into the shoes of vintage style there’s no denying that a trip to a vintage store is an enchanting experience. It’s like entering a Narnia filled with fashions favourites of the past decades. I may not buy anything but it’s a fashion experience that shouldn’t be missed.

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When in Cork I love to pop into Eva May Vintage in Glanmire to drool over the exquisite dresses from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. I come out dreaming of champagne filled Gatsby type parties. If I’m looking for some pop cultured retro inspiration, a trip to Mercury Retrograde is all I need to fill my vintage senses.

So last Friday when I met Irene in the stunningly kitsch Om Diva boutique in Dublin I was really excited for the style transformation that lay ahead. I knew I was in capable hands with Irene who’s own personal style is the perfect mix of vintage meets contemporary style. This is a look I strive for.

We live in a world awash with disposable fashion. It’s so easy to get caught up in the fast paced nature of each season’s ever changing trends. The affordability of the high street allows us to buy into this resulting in the beauty and charm of clothes being lost. This is why vintage is so appealing to Irene. For her clothes are more than just something we wear. They tell a story. It’s the hidden story of the pieces that capture her imagination.

A gorgeous shot of @GracieOMahony in KM from the Modern Vintage shoot styled by @ireneobrien & shot by Emily Quinn! pic.twitter.com/6Jjx0wHqYy

— Karen Millen Ireland (@KarenMillenIre) November 16, 2015

“It’s the romance of it that I love,” says Irene, “I recently got engaged and chose an art deco ring. I love the idea that there’s a history behind it.” While I’ve always considered my style to be a mix of individual meets on trend, I’m not sure I was getting the individual part quite right. Adding some vintage to the equation will create that unique style I desire.

“Vintage is about wearing something unique. There is something beautiful and appealing about wearing a piece that not everyone else has. Although wouldn’t it be magical if you were at a party and met somebody wearing the exact same vintage piece as you?” says Irene. “That would be a million in one chance but amazing. That’s why I love vintage, it’s not likely your going to meet someone wearing the same thing.”

It’s an appreciation for how clothes were made in the past that Irene also strives for on her vintage quest. She rightly points out that when most of us think about vintage we assume that it should be cheaper than the high street. But instead we should realise that these pieces have lasted decades, the quality of the garments often surmount that of clothes made today.

“The clothes were often handmade for the person by family or a tailor. They invested in what they wore and loved the pieces,” explains Irene. “These pieces are very special because they have lasted the test of time.”

The appeal of vintage is it never goes out of style. As fashion icon Iris Apfel put it, “if you hang around long enough everything comes back”. This is so true. A quick mooch around the high street at the moment confirms that the seventies are back. What better way to incorporate the season’s trends then with original pieces from the decade? According to the vintage gospel that is Irene, it’s easy to merge vintage into your every day wardrobe.

There's the lovely @ireneobrien in today's @irishexaminer ahead of the Dublin Vintage Fair next wk.Lookin good lady👌 pic.twitter.com/wqV6M3nYeH

— Breffni O'Dwyer (@Breffniellen) November 7, 2015

“Accessories are fantastic. Handbags we use all the time and a real talking point and scarfs are a very inexpensive way of bringing vintage in,” explains Irene.

Irene suggests outerwear like a cape or a swing coat is also a great way of adding vintage.

“Approach vintage like you do your everyday wardrobe. If you’re reserved, or a risk taker, every taste can be catered for with pieces from every decade,” says Irene.

If you’re still feeling a little apprehensive then going to a vintage event can take the pressure off. This year Irene took over the reigns of organising the Vintage Fair at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin on Sunday last. The event is a fantastic introduction to vintage. It is a day of fashion nostalgia that celebrates all things vintage. With hundreds of vendors and presentations on how to bring vintage into your wardrobe it is the perfect stepping stone to nailing vintage.

Another store not to miss is The Consignment Closet pop up shop on 18 Cook St, Cork.

Consignment shopping is a great way of getting rid of the pieces you no longer love while finding something new. This is what vintage is all about, giving someone else the opportunity to love a piece.

Another person’s trash is someone else’s treasure. You never know what you might find.

Check out The Consignment Closet on Facebook for further details.

Irene’s vintage rules:

• Changing room is a must: If there is anything that appeals to you try it on. The cuts can be different. Don’t assume it won’t suit. Be Brave.
• Make your tailor your best friend: Find a really good tailor that understands and appreciates vintage. Pieces will often need tailoring but it’s worth it because they will always look better.
• Appreciate its longevity: Remember the piece is more than likely older than you and has lasted decades. Look after the garment; hand wash or, if instructed, dry clean.
• Listen to the vintage storeowner: They are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to vintage and are passionate and happy to share
• Avoid the costume look: Wearing vintage doesn’t have to mean looking like you’re heading to a Halloween party. To avoid looking like you’re in costume mix eras. For example match a 1940s pencil skirt with a glitzy ’80s top.
• Know what you want to invest in: Questions to ask yourself— What is this for? Do I only want designer? How much am I willing to spend?
• Examine: Thoroughly check the garment for staining and marks because vintage is sold as is. Be realistic about what can be fixed. If it’s a zip yes, if it’s a stain maybe not. And remember body odour is difficult to get out.

Irene’s top vintage stores:

• After Sybil (Dundalk): The owner has an incredible eye and there are some very special pieces
• Daisy Blue (Cork): The shop itself is just magical. I’ve bought a couple of my favourite pieces from there
• Om Diva boutique (Dublin): This shop is a fun vintage experience. It’s great for separates and day dresses
• Jean Cronin at The Loft, Powerscourt Centre(Dublin): Jean has a wealth of knowledge. She also sells amazing ‘60s Japanese kimonos.
• Gladys’ Store (Tullamore): Gladys was my favourite trader of all time. Her shop was in a random industrial estate but was filled with beautiful, elegant pieces. She sadly passed away a few years ago but her two daughters will be at the fair with pieces their mum sourced which they have so as to carry on her name.