20  FA SH IO N & L I F EST Y L E
Budgeting advice with Anastasia Burton By Anastasia Burton We’ve all been tempted in the past by the Festive and Black Friday sales, which are once again only around the corner. And I’m here to tell you that no, you do not need to buy a basket full of items you really don’t need. With Christmas fast approaching everyone is trying to save money for gifts and festive dinners, but how does one save? Firstly, saving money is never easy, especially when you have rent and bills to pay on top of whatever other mandatory expenses you may have! I have to admit I only send large sums of money to my savings account when I have gathered a significant amount, so I completely get how hard it can be. You need to figure out how much you can afford to save each week, month, or every couple of months. If your wages are low and you have large sums to pay for your necessities, then try out with maybe putting aside ₏20 a week, maybe even 10. You may think that 10 or 20 euro is nothing, but if you save it every week for a couple of months it will add up, trust me. Let’s say you want to save for some Christmas gifts, do not buy anything before a large sale. Always keep an eye on websites that you want to buy from and subscribe to their newsletters
to never miss out on hot deals! Save money where you can, whenever you can, because paying full price? Can’t relate. You need to know when treating yourself is appropriate. Treating yourself every day of the week is not really treating yourself, and buying things you really don’t need is not responsible. You need to make a list of the things you need and don’t need. If you’re finding a lot of items you never wear or use, put them up for sale on Depop or Facebook, get rid of clutter! You can also donate items to charity. Treating yourself is important, nobody is denying that, but treating yourself needs to come in different ways. Retail therapy is great and the perfect way to do it is to buy something small for yourself each week. Let yourself get a donut or enjoy a coffee from a coffee shop rather than home. Maybe buy yourself a new mask or cute shoes you’ve wanted forever. Make sure that you treating yourself isn’t resulting in you hating yourself! Saving during the festive season is very important, now more than ever. With many of us out of jobs we can’t afford as much as we used to. So try to put away as little or as much as you can and slowly but surely you will feel more secure and have the means to buy the gifts you want without eating unseasoned 10 cent noodles for months on end!
NUI Galway Students’ Union Ents Presents/Cuireann Comhaltas na Mac LÊinn OÉ Gaillimh
HUMP DAY oolie! H
CĂłisir na CĂŠadaoin Crua
Speed Friending
SIN Vol. 22 Issue 04
2020’s Best Online Fashion Stores By Saoirse Higgins Navigating different fashion shops and websites during lockdown can be difficult. No more trying on different sizes in the dressing room, or browsing the aisles of your local Penneys to get a top for your next night out. So, SIN has some fashion options for you to check out to get your cute Christmas outfit ready. Of course, the big thing most people need to take into account when buying clothes is the negative effect we are having on the environment and social conditions. According to the World Economic Forum, fashion production makes up 10% of carbon emissions across the world and 85% of all textiles end up at the dump. Along with the terrible labour conditions most fast fashion brands are home to as well, with some people working for half of the minimum wage. With all this in mind, we must try, where we can, to shop sustainably. However, it can be difficult when on a budget and trying to source the right style. So, here is a mix of vintage, small businesses and Depop shops with price ranges to suit every student. Here are my favourite shops, from Depop to Vintage, so strap in;
Jolly’s Shop (@jojomojo355 on Depop) This user sells handmade skirts and dresses for an amazing price. I myself, have bought two lovely skirts, one leather skirt and one black with golden detailing, and I have loved them all. Each skirt is tailored by the woman in question. You look at the page and see which skirts are for sale. You then message her with your measurements, and she tailors it to fit your size! This means everybody is included and because she works off measurements you don’t have to worry about it fitting on your waist but not your hips or vice versa. Her price depends on the skirt but usually range between ₏15 to ₏25, and shipping is always free. This is an affordable price for beautiful handmade pieces. Definitely worth your time.
Lil Bits (@susiechal on Depop) This is another small business that focuses on handmade products. This time though it’s cute comfy fleeces. Although up to recently she worked off Instagram to sell her products, this business has moved
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How can anyone talk vintage in Ireland without mentioning the acclaimed Spice Vintage. Originally based in Limerick City, this shop has fully moved online over the course of the pandemic and has been more successful than ever. Beautiful handpicked vintage
pieces, that owner Gracie gets abroad, there are pieces for every type of style to enjoy. From fleeces to designer pants, to amazing vintage two pieces, there is so much to choose from. However, buying from Spice is no easy task. She has a stock drop every Friday at 6pm and most pieces sell out within five minutes. You have to be fast and ready. Along with the speed, Spice Vintage can be pricey, from anywhere of ₏25 to over a ₏100, depending on what you’re getting. Generally, it is reasonable for the type of piece you are purchasing, but can be out of budget for most people, including myself. However, if you do treat yourself to a lovely vintage piece, you won’t regret it.
Lemon Queen Vintage (Instagram) The vintage and handmade retailer works off Instagram to deliver its products. This seller has lovely vintage and handmade pieces to add to your wardrobe for a reasonable price. From cosy cardigans to patterned skirts you can get your vintage necessities here. The price depends on the piece, but generally, I have found her prices extremely affordable especially for vintage pieces. So if you’re looking for vintage clothing, but can’t afford the prices of Spice, I would check this page out on Instagram.
Nine Crows Vintage (Depop)
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Spice Vintage (Instagram)
to Depop to make it more efficient for her customers. She sells custom-made fleeces. After you click buy on one of her pieces, you message to say the colours and size that you’d like. These fleeces have grown in popularity over recent weeks, so if you want to grab one on the day of the sale you’re going to have to be quick! Price-wise, they can be a bit steep to someone on a budget at ₏40 a fleece. However, considering the cosy material and care gone into them it’s certainly reasonable. As a treat to yourself or as a Christmas present, these wardrobe necessities should be on your mind!
This vintage store is based in Dublin, however, it has a popular Depop page. Here they sell a range of different vintage pieces, all of good quality. If you’re looking for warm jackets for winter or some cute flannels to wear during your study, Nine Crows is the place for you. Nine Crows is also very reasonably priced. Again, price depends on the piece, but generally good jumpers and jackets are between ₏30 to ₏50. These are all small businesses and vintage stores that I enjoy, and with the economy suffering during the pandemic it is now more important than ever to support your small businesses. However, don’t ever feel pressured to buy vintage or small business. This is a stressful time, and if shopping small or vintage isn’t viable at the moment then there is no pressure to do so. Shop where is comfortable and accessible to you, and enjoy your fashionable Christmas!
