My Guide to The Shutterbug Kilo Sale
Get there EARLY. I mean REALLY EARLY. If you want to be in first, or in the first 50, you’re going to need to get there at least 2 hours before the sale opens, or 3 to be on the safe side. This kilo sale is going to be huge and so are the crowds and the queue there are 3,241 registered as going on the events Facebook page. The benefit of getting there early is that you will get the first chance to raid the rails but it gets pretty packed in there pretty fast so you really only have the monopoly on the goods for about 2 minutes! So, if you don’t feel the need to stand in the cold for 2 or 3 hours to be top of the queue you probably still have a good chance of getting some great pieces. Also worth a note, is that the Shutterbug team usually restock the area half way through so there should be some new pieces out on the floor between 3 and 4 for those of you who’d like to have your Sunday roast before your shopping spree!
What to wear... First of all you need comfortable flat shoes, you will be queuing for a while and navigating your way between people and rails with difficulty so this is a must. There are changing rooms at the sale but they are limited and queues are phenomenal so there usually are mirrors placed around the area so you can try stuff on on the floor. This is brilliant and time saving! So wear something thats comfortable and makes it easy for you to try on pieces without having to get undressed. My fail safe Kilo Sale outfit is a pair of leggings, a tight string vest, slip on ankle boots a loose top and a compact jacket that I can easily slip off and easily pop anything on over my leggings and vest to see how they fit and look. I know its going to be cold but you won’t want a large heavy jacket, or a scarf or hat because they will only get in your way when your wrestling your way through the crowds and doing quick changes in the corner. Make sure your handbag is a cross over because otherwise it will also just be a nuisance.
Bring a large shopping bag. I’m talking ENORMOUS! The brilliant people from Shutterbug will be handing out large blue Ikea bags to everyone in the queue, but with the crowds that are expected on Sunday i have no idea how they will have enough to go around so if you have one at home, take it, you’ll need it to carry everything you pick up as you shop.
Grab everything that tickles your fancy and I mean EVERYTHING! Dont look at sizes, don’t second guess just grab it throw it into your Ikea bag. Go through it all when you can’t carry anymore, discard what you don’t want and go again... just in case you missed something first time around!
The rails are arranged into groups as such. All the sequins will be together, all the leather will be together, all the white shirts, all the jumpers, printed shirts etc, so if you know what your looking for find the area they are in and don’t waste time on other rails until you’ve bagged the bargains you went for. The mens section will be separate and laid out in sections too so ladies definitely check out the menswear there are some great shirts, jackets and pants and androgyny is key this season!
If you’ve been thinking of trying a new look but aren’t too sure about it the kilo sale is the perfect place to shop for it and give it a go. You will get a whole look and more for €20 or less so go for it!
Be clever. The kilo sale is cheap, but remember it goes by weight so watch what your buying. If its heavy and your not sure i’d suggest leaving it behind, if its light and your not sure, take it because it will probably only cos you one or two euro. The last kilo sale i was at i bought 8 shirts for €24 which is a huge bargain, you can read about it here. If your going for the heavier pieces like leather and fur, check them for bad tears or noticeable imperfections, there is no point getting carried away with the buzz and taking them home to realize there is a tear you can’t hide. These are vintage clothes and some have had more wear and tear than others. If these more expensive heavier pieces were in perfect condition they would be in the Folkster Edit and be much more expensive so just be aware and know what your buying and what your happy with. Personally when it comes to leather, sequins, fur and denim i buy my pieces full price from Folkster or the Shutterbug shop in Kilkenny, they are more expensive but the quality is there and i get much more wear and joy from them.
Save some dosh for the Folkster Pop-up shop. There are always some irresistible pieces in the there and I always buy something there before i go. There will be the most beautiful vintage pieces, fabulous clothes from Sister Jane and UNIF, outlandishly amazing shoes from Miista and Jeffrey Campbell and a selection of the most beautiful bejewelled accessories, hats and glasses to finish off the look. If you need style inspo or advice you need look no further than the Shutterbug crew, the most stylishly fabulous bunch around! For the first time the Folkster and Guild & Cage pop up shops will be open form 10am on Sunday morning so if your there early you can have a browse and a shop before the kilo sale opens at 12. I think this is a great idea because you get to see and maybe buy the Folkster pieces you might love and want so you have a bit more perspective when you hit the kilo sale rails.
Tip No. 9
If you are travelling to the Kilo Sale from outside Dublin you can use the LUAS Park and Ride facility at The Red Cow. The LUAS Red Line will take you straight in to Smithfield and save you the rouble and stress of driving around the city. Find out more about the LUAS here.
Have Fun!!!
