Closet Clear Outs

Selling off your wardrobe is the latest trend – leading stylists and fashion writers are paving the way with private sales…

Remember that scene in the first Sex and the City movie where Carrie had ?the girls? and bottles of alcohol over while she put on a ?take or toss? catwalk show? Run DMC’s Walk This Way was playing. Proper adult women don’t actually do a Carrie because we lead lives where finding time to shave is a luxury, but the fact is the average fashionable lady accumulates a lot of outfits over her lifetime. Taking the time to do a proper clear out can be both mentally soothing and will save you making IKEA storage solution promises to a beleaguered wardrobe.

This week in London,?Vogue‘s new international editor, Suzy Menkes, is putting some of her items under the hammer. Considering Menkes is fashion royalty after her long stint as the International Herald Tribune‘s fashion critic, you can be guaranteed a catalogue of the greatest hits. Sure enough, vintage Biba, YSL and Ossie Clark count among the lots up for auction.

Throwing her own closet sale this weekend is Cathy O’Connor, one of Ireland’s most respected stylists and possessor of the best platinum-striped hair this side of Daphne Guinness. Cathy is teaming up with her friend, the best-selling novelist Marisa Mackle. Why are they parting with such pieces? ?The simple reason is that we have too many clothes,? explains Cathy. While Marisa and Cathy both donate clothes to charity, this time they’ve decided to ?lessen the loss? of these key designer pieces. Cathy also points out that ‘most of the clothes are new or hardly worn?. Marisa is putting her Chanel and Victoria Beckham items up for monetary grabs – including a white Chanel handbag that she recently wore to Rosanna Davison’s wedding. Cathy is offloading some of the most sought-after labels, unsurprising when you consider the cachet she carries in the industry. ?Marni, Prada, Anna Sui, McQueen, Hoss… need I go on? I’ve been doing these sales for years as it’s a wonderful way to recycle your wardrobe and pick up a designer piece for a lot less than the original price.? The sale takes place this Saturday in the Donnybrook area from 10am until 3.30pm. (Contact Cathy or Marisa for the exact address.)

Melissa Curry’s Success

Meanwhile we’re loving sale season, especially when Irish designers get in on the act. Last week saw Dublin pick up some discounted Manley while this Saturday the jewellery designer Melissa Curry is selling pieces from her Spring/Summer €14 collection from 12-4pm in Ballsbridge. Melissa has been a firm fixture on our radar since her Liberty of London Paris Fashion Week double-whammy launch in 1999. She’s remained so much of a household name that pieces from her motivational jewellery collection for women, Success, were personally gifted to Michelle Obama and her daughters by the Taoiseach on their arrival in Dublin last year. Media magnate Arianna Huffington is also a fan. 7 Merrion View Avenue is where you need to look on Google Maps.

Covet Clear-Out

And your final bout of summer-sale good news comes courtesy of the Powerscourt Centre boutique?Covet. The ultimate home of designer dresses is hosting a sale this Saturday and Sunday. With race, wedding and debs season about to overwhelm the country, the store is answering multiple prayers all at once. Savvy brides, form an orderly queue, as some wedding dresses shall be available? Bridesmaids who want something eternally stylish? Copy and paste that url to your soon-to-be-wedded pal. With prizes starting at €100, might we suggest an early breakfast on Saturday?

Psssst… Keep your covetous eyes on our competitions page. Next month we’ll be teaming up with everyone’s favourite boutique for a chance to win something beautiful?

Jeanne Sutton @jeannedesutun

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