I have no idea why people would classify Monsoon as granny wear. It is soooo not granny wear! I am…read more25 and I want to buy every single item of clothing in this store. Sure, it is absolutely nothing like the young, trendy style that is sold in Topshop or Miss Selfridge, but the style sold at Monsoon is better. It's floaty, flirty, bohemian and beautiful. On the bottom floor they have pretty patterned tops. a lot with really cool details, and tons and tons of fancy dresses and gowns that make me wish I had an event to go to just so I could have an excuse to buy one. Upstairs they have accessories and bridal wear, which is just as pretty and hippie-esque as the downstairs stuff. But just calling it hippie doesn't do the stuff justice. Monsoon is really elegant as well. I seriously adore this place, though a major drawback is that it's mostly out of my price range :o(

Having moved to a larger space from across the street Monsoon opened this shop dedicated to clothes…read morerather than the accessories. Monsoon designers are really not afraid to take inspiration from different sources than the usual highstreet stores and genuinely have a different look and feel to other clothes. While they do a range of clothes I always think of Monsoon as a dresses shop. They have daytime summery ones as well as formal, cocktail and evening dresses. Their cuts and fabrics are generally very feminine and they delight in little details. The prices are not cheap but the quality of the clothes are quite good and when they do a sale they can sometimes knock 70% off an item. I actually lusted after a grey silk evening dress there some years ago but couldn't fork out the 250 euro for it. I got it two years later when I stumbled on it for about 50 euro. And because Monsoon are more concerned with classic style than the latest trend the clothes don't date so badly. That said they do add an element of the current trends to their clothes, they just don't lose their own style in it. Monsoon have branched out into wedding and bridesmaid dresses, which you can see upstairs and their clothes come in sizes 8 to 22.

I discovered Penney's while perusing the buzzing neighborhood near my hotel. As soon as I walked…read morein, it reminded me of Primark. Lo and behold, I found out they're a part of the same company/brand. How cool!! Same great products, same great prices. They even had a fully operating hair and nail salon inside. I barely had any vacant space in my luggage, but I absolutely had to grab some good deals and exit quickly lol. The store is huge and the various sections are easy to browse. It was also easy to spot employees walking around if you needed to ask for help.

This is my first time coming to Ireland as an adult and my Mother and Sister in law who visit often…read morehave raved about this store...it's 100% worth the hype. In retrospect, I wish I had packed half the clothing that I did for this trip and just purchased the majority of my trip's wardrobe here upon arrival! The clothing seems of very nice quality and so inexpensive. One of the rolling carry-on bags we used on this trip my mom got here during her last visit and it was by far one of the easiest of all our bags to travel with.

I went to Folkster in South William Street for my bridal appointment and Ricki was ABSOLUTELY…read moreAMAZING! So attentive and lovely- suggesting dresses and styles without being overbearing. I don't think it could've gone any ybetter! Walked out of there with an amazing wedding dress! I can only recommend- the shop is beautiful, the dresses are gorgeous and the staff is absolutely amazing!

You know that girl who looks so fabulous that you feel like a fishmonger standing beside her?…read moreChances are she shops at folkster. Hailing from Kilkenny, the Folkster team are transforming Irish fashion one fabulous fedora at a time. Not your typical vintage shop, it's a miasma of the old, the new and the futuristic. The staff are always bang on, giving ace style advice and general chat. Fashionistas every one of them... they're inspiring rather than intimidating. Price wise, it ain't cheap but it's not staggeringly expensive. Your pockets may be lighter leaving but the spring in your sartorialist step will most certainly balance you out!

I can't imagine a trip to Dublin without visiting this store. I would love to have a store like…read morethis in Chicago.... or not, because I probably wouldn't shop anywhere else. This store is a perfect blend of vintage and modern. I can always find something that is unique, that I feel comfortable wearing to work, on a date, out with friends etc. The quality of the clothes has always been very good, especially considering that the clothes are not too expensive (mid-range I would say). They also carry a variety of unique accessories, bags, and scarves. You can order online as well, they ship to the US and I received my items very quickly. When I have been in the store, all of the ladies have been so nice and helpful. It's really a wonderful shop. (Follow them on Facebook too, I love their posts!)

Was passing Carousel the other day, which used to be the old Sabotage for girls. I spotted a…read morereally cool pink vintage looking dress in the window so ran in. Amongst all the cute but quite young clothes, were 2 rails marked one off vintage finds. I would probably say they were more designed around vintage shape and fabrics than actual vintage, but they were seriously nice. The price was amazing, quirky dresses for about €49 and just that bit different, that you know they are not high street!!! Definitely worth a look.

Pretty decent selection in here of evening gowns & bridesmaid / debs type dresses. They seemed to…read morehave a good mix as well between rentals and for purchase dresses. I wouldn't say any were hugely unusual but they were all nice and good quality. The rentals were in around the 150-200 euro mark though - a fair whack for something you've to give back the next day no?!

Amazing place, great interior, great staff, location is as good as it gets!…read more Service is lovely!

I'm waiting for that wealthy distant relative to pass away and leave their estate to me. The day…read morethat happens I'm heading for Fran & Jane in CHQ (it's cruel, but we're all friends here and I feel I should be honest). It's been a long time since I've been left speechless in a clothes shop, but rest assured that the sight of those silvery cocktail dresses, fabulous chunky cuffs and necklaces, plus those... SHOES. Someone get me a fan, I'm having a hot flash. The shop itself is a little bit of luxury as well, from velvet draped changing booths and a rather commanding till / podium, to the sweetly complimentary lighting that makes almost everything look fabulous (I said almost, Constructed Black Mini Dress with Shoulder Pads). As of this posting the shop has put a fantastic selection of late autumn merch on sale from at least 30% off. There's a certain nude and black taffeta number, reduced to €130, that's just begging like a pet store puppy to come home with me. I'd better start calling around the family...

Fran and Jane has kind of surprised me. I remember hearing about it a few years ago when it was…read morejust one boutique, run by a mother and daughter. I walked by it lots of times and never ventured in, until lately when I realised they were everywhere - not just stand alone stores but they were being stocked in popular shopping centres like Dundrum Town Centre and Arnotts, and now in the CHQ. I went into the CHQ store and I can understand why they've become so popular - their clothes are beautiful. The store itself is a decadent boutique with lush décor and glamorous chandeliers. The clothes are quite high end - you'd be looking at in the region of €250 for a dress, but they do stock cheaper too - and they are lovely. I'd recommend this boutique for occasion wear - maybe if you were attending a wedding or going to the races.

The Loft is a great idea. The Powerscourt Centre have opened up this previously unused space and…read moreturned it into a Mecca for jewellery and original design seekers. It's a melting pop of Irish designers and jewellers giving them the opportunity to sell their wares and have an outlet to the general public. You're sure to find something original here, nice and different to the high street selection that we're used to. It's great for a special occasion (no fear of having the same dress) or for unusual and unique presents. Keep an eye out for Yvonne Ross Jewellery here, some gorgeous stuff.

Just knowing this place exists makes me feel a little trendier…read more Secreted away at the top of that poshest of posh Powerscourt Townhouse, The Loft is a hot spot for finding the latest in boutique Dub fashion. Now, I'm not talking about a "ladies who lunch" boutique that takes appointments and only stocks size 6 and under -this is a burgeoning den of cool where Dublin designers try something new and show it all off on the racks and brick walls of this raw industrial space. On weekends a DJ spins (though I'm over the ironic replaying of 80s b-sides) and headband-wearing, skinny jeaned hipsters lounge on the sofas. Prices are a little steep for the budget shopper, but the pieces here are unique and handmade (or vintage and relabelled). All in all, it's cooler than cool.

My eyes lit up when I walked in this store. It's got an edgy vibe. I had been shopping on Grafton…read morefor several hours and found the usual, boring clothes and jewelry. What a relief when I walked into this place. As beautiful as some of the clothing was, the accessories, especially the jewelry, was amazing. I wanted to buy everything I saw. The staff were also fantastic, very helpful. I bought several items for myself and as gifts for my daughter. I just wish they had a bigger online presence since I am out of town. Everything was sold out online. I loved the store and was hoping I could purchase items online in the future.

So it turns out I've been shopping in the wrong shops my entire life…read more... After reading yelp reviews I just HAD to experience this place for myself. This shop is just filled with fab fab fab pieces, from vintage bridal wear( beautiful ) to glitzy sequin jackets, floral silk blouses , gorgeous never been seen bags with beautiful little clips and straps and pure wool vibrant in colour hats. I absolutely adore this place and I highly recommend everyone to check it out!!! All affordable this is my new favourite find!

There is nothing "used" about the mouth-watering racks of vintage and gently-worn designer duds in…read moreSecond Avenue in Sandymount village. Just a little off the beaten path along Seafort Avenue, this is the secret shop D4 dandies go to for the best of Fashion Weeks past, as previously worn by Social and Personal types. Step into the back for a look at filmier gowns and frocks, but steel thyself for the prices -there's no bargain basement prices (but you will get that Chanel blouse at half it's original sale price). My first introduction to Second Avenue was on a cold spring day a few years back; as we rounded a corner on a closed up shop I wondered if we'd gone too far. A moment later the shop front appeared, blocked in by rows of Land Rovers parked right in front of the shop window. Inside there was quiet as women fanned through beautiful silks and suits hung along the wall racks. At the centre table I fell in love with a black croc clutch that I would end up going back twice to mull over bringing home. The price tag ended the would-be romance.

Second Avenue is where all the D4 ladies go second hand shopping. But this boutique is a far cry…read morefrom Oxfam or SVP. It is definitely not a mothball charity shop. On offer here you can find Gucci suits, Prada handbags, Alexander McQueen jackets and John Rocha scarves, all at a fraction of the original price (though unfortunately still out of my budget!). The clothes range from vintage to last season, and most pieces would be suited for the more mature lady.

Coast mainly stocks evening and formal wear for women. They usually have a beautiful array of…read moredresses for occasions and certainly whenever there's a formal night out the talk is about what's in Coast. They have lots of interesting dresses in both classic styles and some stuff influenced by what's in at the moment. As a result you can usually get something that suits your shape and figure here. The downside is that you will certainly be paying for it. Coast dresses don't come cheap. So you wouldn't be looking for a once off dress but rather something you can take out of the wardrobe and wear on future occasions. The classic nature of the style of dresses here makes that possible, but you definitely have to be committed to wearing it more than once to pay these prices!

Coast is notorious for selling occasion wear that appears especially fitted and rich in value. The…read moredresses look like they have been sculpted onto the women in question, molded onto their bodies creating something chiseled, almost carved. The dresses are aligned with abounding upholstery and rich underskirts all working towards creating these fitted, prosperous-looking dresses. If you are looking for an impressive frock to wear to a black tie event, day at the races, wedding or prom then you are duty-bound to visit Coast. Coast's occasion wear is genuinely very beautiful and remarkably rich in quality but the design team more often than not keep within the same colour format of royal blues, reds and blacks, in addition to their 'fitted' outline. Renowned for silk organza fitted bandeau dresses, rizzo boleros and maxi floor length show-stoppers assigned names like, 'Victoria Jane Dress', 'Allure Dress' and 'Duchess Satin dress' it becomes obvious that the style employed is conventional, smart chic as opposed to anything alternative. That's not to say the clothes ever feel unadventurous but certainly the shop does radiate a mode of conservatism. If anything the abounding satins and flawlessly fitted contours created go most of the way to nullify any misgivings about the shop lacking in any avant-garde influence. This shop is more 'serenity cardigan' than hippy tunic or flirty chiffon vintage, devoid of any floral patterns, frills or stuff more generally frolicsome, yet like I said this does not downplay the exquisite quality on show and if anything, the shop is refreshing in it's steadfastness to correspond to magnificently embroidered garments and not conform to the current drift towards everything shop's like Om Diva and Lucy's Lounge epitomize, that being eccentric hippie oddities.