Sustainable Fashion: Next stop, NCBI Mullingar
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Clodagh’s first summer outfit. She is wearing a pink graphic shirt, wide leg jeans and metallic gold heels. She completed this look with a square beige clutch.Image 2 of 5
Clodagh wearing the designer black and white skirt, top from Penneys and Fit-Flop black heels.Image 3 of 5
Clodagh wearing a maxi bodycon beige dress paired with a white blazer all from NCBI Mullingar.Image 4 of 5
Books for sale at NCBI Mullingar.Image 5 of 5
Great selection of bric-a-brac in the charity shop.By Clodagh McKeon
Last month, I set out on a challenge to shop second hand only. In doing that, I’m visiting some of the best charity shops in Mullingar in search of the perfect second hand summer outfit.
Last week, I dropped in to St Vincent’s charity shop. I was impressed with their collection of clothes and their dedication to promoting sustainability to their customers.
The team put together a sustainability themed window display encouraging people to up-cycle their existing clothes which was a fantastic idea.
This week, I went to NCBI Mullingar on Mary Street and I had a similar experience. The store is extremely well organised.
Clothes are colour coordinated and well labelled with sizing information, making it easy to navigate through the items.
The ladies clothes, shoes and accessories are downstairs and the clothes for men and children are upstairs.
They also have a great collection of bric-a-brac items including, plates, glassware, books and other household items.
On this visit, I wanted to find some casual outfits that I could wear anytime during the summer.
My first find was a bright pink graphic shirt that I thought was perfect to wear to work on a warm summer’s day.
I then picked up a pair of wide leg jeans and metallic rose-gold heels.
The entire outfit cost a total of €18 and would be perfect for a get-together with friends.
I spoke to store volunteers Ann Vella, Geraldine Tynan and Bridie Crumb, who have been volunteering at the shop for years.
Ann mentioned that she has seen a significant increase of young school girls shopping at the store looking for “retro, vintage clothes”.
She said: “I’ve never seen so many young people coming into the store, I can’t believe it.
“After school, the Loreto College girls love to come in and have a look around and they buy lots of stuff. They also donate back to us, which is great, but they are always on the lookout for vintage and ’80s style clothes.
“It shows that young people are starting to view charity shops and second hand clothes in a more positive way now.”
NCBI Mullingar have loyal visitors who call in every day.
Geraldine said: “So many older people come to us for a chat. We make them a cup of tea, we sit and we have a chat. That’s what we are all about, the community.
“It’s nice for the elderly people in the town to pop in and talk to us because we may be the only company they get in the day. Being a part of their lives is important to us.”
The next outfit I found was a long beige dress that I wore with a white blazer and black Fit-Flop heels.
The dress was just €6, the blazer was from Stradivarius and cost €5 and the new Fit-Flop heels were €8 – a serious bargain.
The following outfit was inspired by those black Fit-Flop heels.
In a quick browse around, I saw a lovely black and white designer skirt that I matched with a plain black long sleeved top from Penneys.
The entire outfit cost €16 and would be perfect for work or a night out.
Last but certainly not least, I found what may be my favourite outfit of all.
Over at the green section of clothes, I saw a beautiful long khaki green bodycon dress with a high neck and short sleeves.
The material was top quality and was almost shining. It was originally bought in New Look and was priced at just €5. It would be the perfect dress to wear on your summer holidays.
When I finished shopping, I ventured upstairs to the menswear and childrenswear to find an abundance of great quality clothes and accessories.
It’s important to mention that because although most women enjoy shopping more than men do, they can still find some great second hand clothes in charity shops.
On my visit I noticed branded T-shirts for men including Lacoste, Hollister, Superdry and even Tommy Hilfiger.
It’s designer but second hand.
The team at NCBI Mullingar are focused on their work at the charity shop. They are proud to welcome the entire community into the store while promoting sustainability and goodwill.
It is a perfect spot to pick up some pre-loved gems and as always, all the outfits mentioned remain in the store ready and waiting for you.