In 2012, I wrote about how supermarkets had significantly
improved their fashion lines in my post Bread, Milk And Beautiful Shoes: Supermarket Fashion Is Now At Its Best. Two years on and Dunnes Stores and
Tesco continue to give high street shops a run for their money in terms of
style, quality and affordability. Dunnes and Tesco are my go-to shops for budget-friendly
shoes, bags, loungewear and hosiery, and at times outperform my beloved
Penneys. I picked up this cardigan in Dunnes two weeks ago for €15. As the
photos were taken on my phone, the sweet scalloped neckline
isn’t clearly visible. I got the skirt on sale in Tesco for €11. High waisted,
fully lined and with a classic check print; this beauty has become a staple in
my wardrobe.
Dunnes Stores and I have had a rather turbulent relationship.
This stems back to shopping there with my mother as a pre-teen and being decked
out in some unsightly numbers, among them a size 12 orange jumper! Unbelievably,
the smallest size Dunnes stocked back then was a 10 and there were none to be
found that day. Needless to say that jumper did nothing to improve my scruffy appearance, an appearance which invited comparisons to a beggar child. Nice! Once I had my own money I haughtily refused to shop there but I
was lured back three years ago by the sight of their elegant winter boots.
Dunnes
has shaken off its former cheap and cheerful image and besides now stocking a
size 8, many of its pieces are featured regularly in glossy magazines as budget
must-haves. This year’s autumn/winter collection embraces strong clean
lines while incorporating leather and houndstooth print. However, what I find
myself buying most often in Dunnes is shoes and tights. Yes, tights! Star
print, spot print, mock suspender, sheer nude tights (the palest I’ve come
across), fishnets - Dunnes has them all! Its footwear collection seems to be
improving all the time and there’s some really stylish and affordable heels and ankle boots in stores
now.
Going to see indie rock band Kodakid play a gig
Body – Asos
Shorts – H&M
Tights – Dunnes Stores (in store now)
Shoes – Dunnes Stores (in store now)
Bag - Penneys
Piped
Heel Boot €35
Outside
Zip Boot €32
Left to right: Pencil Skirt €25, Zip Coat €60, Houndstooth
Jacket €25, Check Bag €20
Whenever someone admires what I’m wearing and I tell them it’s
from F&F Clothing at Tesco I’m usually met with utter disbelief. The majority of Irish people
seem to be unaware that Tesco is chock-a-block full of highly desirable clothes.
However, if snapping up stylish bargains in the local supermarket were a sport
I must admit I have an unfair advantage. I live in Kildare where the two
largest Tesco stores in the country are located, one in Maynooth and the other
just outside Naas, the latter being the largest in Europe. These stores have huge
fashion departments so I understand if you can’t find anything decent in
smaller Tesco stores. I think there’s still some stigma attached to wearing
supermarket clothes but why feel ashamed? You're getting catwalk-inspired looks while saving a packet, simple!
Recentbuys from Tesco: Cable knit cardigan €21,
Black leather gloves €7.50, Mary Jane shoes (every girl should have a
pair, check out that gorgeous stacked heel!) €17.50
As I mentioned them earlier I have to include a track by Kodakid,
one of my favourite Irish bands. Kodakid are a four piece from Waterford and
their sound is lustful bluesy rock. They’re a seriously hardworking band and they've played a number of high profile
gigs and festivals this year including Indiependence. Their new single Portis is out October 22nd and will be available for free download from the band's website but in the meantime you can download their EP
here or like Kodakid on Facebook
