Do you remember the days of call cards? Have you ever used a payphone or heaven forbid a landline? If the answer is yes, then congrats you’re probably yet another disillusioned Gen-Y-er!
While I’ve often blogged about my love of charity shops, vintage sales and online shopping, I haven’t devoted much time to supporting small local brands and businesses.
I used to love shopping the high street but years of working in retail combined with knowledge of the effect of fast fashion on the environment extinguished this love.
Recently I was in town shortly after payday and there were sales everywhere. Despite the fact, I had cash to splash and there were “bargains” to be had, I didn’t buy anything.
These days, I tend to think my purchases through a bit more and I’m also trying to buy more goods from small local businesses.
Browsing Instagram one day, I saw an ad flash up for an amazing jumper with the old Telecom Eireann logo on it.
I love a bit of nostalgia and I can fondly remember the Telecom Eireann logo plastered everywhere from the phone book to the old phone in my granny’s house where I spent a lot of time as a child.
From looking up people’s numbers in the phonebook, to prank calls and chats with my childhood best friend who got a phone for confirmation, the old landline brought me endless amusement.
With my heart set on buying the jumper, I clicked through to find it was a local business, Damn Fine Print in Stoneybatter.
I had no idea they sold clothes as well as art and I decided to buy one of the crewneck jumpers. It cost €35 which I thought was a really good price and as I was able to pick it up from their studio, I didn’t have to pay delivery.
The jumper was ready in just under a week and I was delighted when I tried it on at home. It’s a lovely vivid blue with a soft fleecy lining and feels really cosy.
The colour was true to the image I’d seen online and I got lots of compliments on it.
One friend even decided to order it for herself in green after seeing me post it to my Instagram story #influencer
I really think it’s worthwhile finding local brands and labels to support where possible.
Obviously, the jumper was only printed in Ireland and was made abroad so it may not be 100% sustainable but it’s still better than purchasing a cheaper high street jumper that everyone will have.
I’ve gotten lots of wear out of it already and I know it will be in my wardrobe for years to come if I look after it.
We took these photos on a casual trip out to Donabate beach and it wasn’t planned so I’d little or no makeup on.
However, I think this enhances the casual look!
I’m also wearing denim shorts from a kilo store in Amsterdam, Adidas Gazelles and a River Island bag, can you tell I like blue?
I bought the jumper in a small and as you can see it’s quite a baggy fit but I like loose jumpers.
It was part of a limited run but Damn Fine Print are now selling them again, just in time for Christmas, in blue, yellow and grey. Green is sold out.
There’s also a grey t-shirt which is €25. You can shop here.
Donabate is a lovely spot for a peaceful beach walk and I found some beautiful shells on the shore.
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River Island bag with shells
I’m going to use these to fill a jar to make a nice ornament for my apartment.
Total outfit cost= €47, excluding presents.
Bag: -(present), Jumper €35, Shorts €8, Hairclip €4, Runners: €59 (present).
FYI, this wasn’t a sponsored post and I wasn’t asked or paid to promote any items featured. There are no affiliate links either. The items I’ve marked as presents were from my boyfriend and family – not gifted by companies.
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Edel
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