What To Expect During Your Dirty Fabulous Bridal Appointment

If you are beginning your bridal shopping you might be finding the whole experience a little daunting.
You mightn't be sure what to expect from a private appointment which can leave you apprehensive and reluctant to book in anywhere.

Rest assured Dirty Fabulous is here to make certain you have the most enjoyable time possible! Let us take you step by step through the whole appointment process:

 Audrey Hepburn 

Booking Your Appointment
You can arrange your appointment by phone on  +353 (1) 6111842 or email on info@dirtyfabulous.com. You can also message us on our Facebook page. Feel free to ask as many queries as you want before booking. We're here to help you!
Our busiest appointment dates are our late evenings, Fridays and Saturdays which all tend to book up between 3 and 6 weeks in advance.
We're sorry but we don't open on Sundays or Mondays (in order to keep us bright eyed and bushy tailed your Dirty Fabulous team needs some much needed RnR!!!)
Our appointments last an hour and you'll have the place to yourself.
Appointments are totally free and completely enjoyable, we only ask that you let us know in advance if you need to cancel or change as we have lots of lovely brides waiting in the wings on a cancellation list.
If you'd like to see inside our boutique just take a look here. Dirty Fabulous is located in the heart of the Creative Quarter in Dublin (just off Grafton Street).
We're on a first floor so you will need to navigate some steps.

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What Should I Bring With Me?
You can of course arrive as you are but if you'd prefer to be fully prepared then it's useful to bring any or all of the following:

• A strapless bra and a good supportive bra in ivory/white/nude. But have no fear, if you visit us in your black or polka dot bra that's totally ok too!!!
• Shoes for trying on if you have a pair in mind. We have nude heels in the shop in all sizes for our brides to use so this only applies if you have a specific heel size in mind or you already have your shoes.
• If you have any images on your phone of any bridal looks you had in mind we'd be delighted to have a peak.
• If your appointment is for a headpiece then it's super helpful to have a sample of your dress fabric and an idea (photo is preferable) of your hairstyle on the day. If you can bring your wedding dress with you then that's even better!

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What Should I not Bring?

• If you could refrain from wearing fake tan for your appointment we'd be really grateful as it does tend to mark our dresses. Our dresses are all one of a kind and not samples so we love keeping them as pristine as possible.
• Heavy make-up - although this is totally up to yourself. I for one can't go downstairs in the morning without having my face on! We have funny little pop-on make-up protectors for you to wear when pulling the dresses on over your head. So if you are having a lovely day in town and need your full face on then we can work around that!

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Who Can I Bring With Me?

• For the most part this is up to you. Some people arrive solo so they aren't overwhelmed by a million opinions, whilst others like to bring a gaggle of gals! (guys are welcome too but we don't see many!).
• In terms of space in little ol' Dirty Fabulous we can hold about a maximum of 6 people and that's quite a squeeze. We'd really recommend no more than 3. 
• Having too many people who all suggest you try on different things can take away from your valuable YOU time and can make it harder to find the perfect dress. 
• Bring people who's opinion you trust and who know your style. We've seen it time and time again were a bride falls in love with her dress but then is told by someone in her appointment party that they don't like it because it isn't a big white traditional dress. Que crestfallen bride!!!
• Sometimes those important people you really want there, can't make your appointment time but don't worry, you can always come back on another appointment to show your best gals any dress you're smitten with.

Coco Chanel fitting one of her designs

What Can I Expect During My Appointment

• Our undivided attention!
• When you come in to Dirty Fabulous we'll ask you a few questions about when your wedding is and what style of wedding dress (if any) you had in mind. This will give us an idea of what dresses to suggest for you to try on.
•  As most of our dresses are one of a kind vintage pieces and aren't measured in standard sizes we'll take your waist measurements. We do have a growing selection of reproduction wedding dresses that are available to order in and your measurements will help us pick the best size for you to try.
• We'll invite you to have a good look through the rails to show us anything you like the look of. Then we'll pull out some gorgeous frocks which we think will suit your shape and style.
• During your hour appointment we'll try dresses of different lengths and styles which are from many different eras. We'll also try you in some of our new dresses.
• For any dress that you really like we'll add lots of finishing touches like veils, cover-ups and jewellery. Those you don't we'll whizz through (no point wasting your precious time!)
• Here's one that most people find surprising: YOU CAN TAKE AS MANY PHOTOGRAPHS AS YOU LIKE! We'd love for you to take pictures of the dresses you love. It'll help you remember what each outfit looks like and believe me after a few appointments in one day your head will be spinning!
• For a headpiece or accessory appointment we'll have a quick little consultation to hear any of your ideas then we'll begin trying on lots of options. Again feel free to be snap happy!

So that's it! Dirty Fabulous offers a very relaxed, fun and glamorous time that we're pretty confident you'll enjoy. We really hope you find your dream bridal dress or accessories with us but don't fret it you don't. You can always visit us again when new stock arrives. 

And, even if you had a wonderful experience but think that vintage is not for you we'd love it if you'd spread the Dirty Fabulous word... that's all we ask!

Introducing Rebecca Rose - Stylist

You may or may not know that us gals from Dirty Fabulous hail originally from Monaghan. We've lived in Dublin for too long to mention but now we divide our time between both counties.

Dirty Fabulous has always loved collaborating with other businesses and individuals nationwide but when we meet someone new from our home town it's always lovely.

I came across Rebecca Rose on Instagram after I saw that she had attended some of the same fashion events as we had in Dublin but then I noticed she had also been at a fashion show in Monaghan the same night as I had... which was pretty surprising so I had to investigate!

Turns out that Rebecca has recently ventured into the world of styling and similar to myself she divides her time between Dublin and Monaghan! 

After arranging a coffee date with Rebecca I was so impressed with her enthusiasum and flair for style that I invited her to visit us in Dirty Fabulous to style up some vintage looks.

On the day, we were lucky enough to have our good friend and rockstar photographer, Aga, from White Tea shooting in store and she was able to take a few shots of Rebecca in the vintage outfits she'd styled.

So I'd like to introduce you to the lovely Rebecca...

These next few images were taken by camera phone:

I chose this dress for Rebecca as I thought it would be super cute on her!

To help you get to know Rebecca a little better I posed a few questions to her:
Take it away Rebecca....

 First, tell me a little about yourself and your background                                               

    I am a twenty something year old with what some would call an addiction to fashion and style!  For my day job, I teach health, fitness and SPHE to early school leavers, a million miles away from the glittering lifestyle of a fashion blogger and stylist. However as much as I enjoy my work I have a passion for something else – Fashion, I do look forward to getting home in the evenings to scan Twitter or Instagram for the latest fashion news and to work on and write my next blog!

  

    What has drawn you to styling?

    I love styling because it gives me the freedom to express who I really am. I enjoy giving advice and tips to people and help evoke refreshing ideas about building a new wardrobe.

    I feel I have a natural ability for styling and so decided to do a course with the Image Academy, where I realised I was making the right decisions and I gained the confidence to pursue my dream to start styling and blogging. Since then I haven’t looked back.

    Knowing that after a styling session with me, I may be able to help someone feel better, become more confident and be a happier person in themselves, is incredibly important for me.

     A person’s style is so much more than just the outfit that you pick. What you wear on the outside directly relates to how you feel on the inside. I truly believe that I can inspire you to grow in confidence, self-esteem and ultimately help clients to unleash their inner love for fashion!

      Where do you look for inspiration and who inspires you?

     As you may have seen, I met my ultimate fashion icon during the summer, Olivia Palermo when she came to Dublin to launch the CIATE makeup line and it was a pleasure to meet her and speak to her. She even gave me some advice.  

    In saying that, for me inspiration is all around, I enjoy choosing clothes according to my surroundings or environments. I also enjoy following Miroslava Duma, she is a successful Russian writer and entrepreneur, her style is feminine, flattering and classy. I want her wardrobe!

      How did you come across Dirty Fabulous?

     I have been a huge fan of vintage clothing from a young age, especially after I was fortunate enough to inherit some stunning vintages pieces from my Gran, all of which I still have and use for special occasions. 

    Since being introduced to vintage items from an early age, I then often took trips to Dublin specifically to go vintage shopping and coming across Dirty Fabulous., I have been following this amazing boutique for years on Facebook and Instagram.

    I have also visited many times on the lookout for the perfect vintage outfit, I just want everything!

More recently, I attended the launch of Hollyblue’s new collection and was also a judge at Monaghan Fashion Fix, where I got talking to Kathy from Dirty Fabulous, it was so great to finally meet the ladies who have inspired me for many years.

What are your thoughts on vintage fashion? Is it something you are familiar with?

Yes I absolutely love vintage clothing, the authenticity and the stories behind each item of clothing never fail to impress and draw me in.  I am also very lucky to have some amazing pieces picked up at Vintage shows or stalls, one particular amazing coat (which I'm saving for a “special day”), a fabulous fur coat all the way from Paris, along with some handbags and stunning brooches, all of which I adore  and wear on special occasions.

What can a customer expect who comes to you for advise?

A personal styling session is only successful if a thorough consultation is carried out, so that's the first thing.  I speak to my client making them feel as comfortable as possible, discussing what she/he wants to get out of the session, or what occasion they are attending. Then we would take a walk around the shops! I show the client some suitable items for their body type and try them on and I show how to style difficult items.  

Obviously each client's requirements are different, so each session can take many different routes. I also feel it’s important to introduce something new to my clients, helping them to experiment with something they may not have tried. Many clients suffer from confidence issues with regards to body type or shape and it is my role to help them overcome this and feel happier within themselves after our session is complete. I always make sure my client goes home after our hour session, with at least one full outfit on which they can build.

What services do you offer?

I offer a number of services from personal styling sessions, wardrobe detoxes, talks on creating a capsule wardrobe to body type assessment.  I am willing to travel and have worked in numerous locations including Blanchardstown shopping centre in Dublin and Belfast City.

       What does the future hold for Rebecca Rose Styling? How do you envisage your career developing?

      Wow that is a big question – I’ve been blogging and styling for about 6 months and am so grateful for all the opportunities that have already arisen.  I love what I do and plan to keep doing it as much as possible.  

      Styling is my passion and building my client base is my priority.  In time, I would love it to be my full time career and to be able to make a living from it.  I also hope to continue blogging and reach out to as many fashion enthusiasts as possible and to grow my blog to the best that it can be.

       I know it’s a "tough industry" as I have already been told but for all those standing in my way there is someone behind me pushing me to succeed and I am thankful to have those supporting me.  
   
    You can follow Rebecca on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.
    We can see this lady getting real busy real quick so get in there early!

          

Industrial Chic

We're loving everything about this atmospheric shoot which was styled by the awesome Rebecca Dore using Dirty Fabulous vintage dresses. It is soooooooo unbelievably cool! 

Credits:

Photographer: Steve Gallagher
Styling: Rebecca Dore

Stylist's Assistant: Muireann McMenemy
Hair: David Cashman
Make-up Artist: Sarah Lanagan
Model: Hannah
Assistant: Azzy O Connor
Clothing: Dirty Fabulous
All jewellery by Beatriz Palacios http://www.beatrizpalacios.com/  except the bracelet in the forth image which is from Carousel 

Welcome to Dirty Fabulous!

Dirty Fabulous is a unique concept in vintage clothing and styling introduced by sisters Caroline Quinn and Kathy Sherry, housed within a decadent showroom on prestigious Baggot Street in the heart of Georgian Dublin.

Not long now to wait for www.dirtyfabulous.com , a chic, shopper friendly website, where clients can peruse and purchase the beautiful collection online at their leisure!
But to get the full Dirty Fabulous experience we encourage our clients to make an appointment and visit us personally in our gorgeous showroom, which is now open and available for bookings.

In the showroom, clients will be pampered with dedicated personal service and styling, whilst sipping champagne in an environment combining boudoir glamour with Belle Époque elegance.

Enter the Dirty Fabulous showroom by private appointment and be greeted by sumptuous red carpet, antiques and chandeliers. Each appointment will be tailored to suit the individual, whether a full styling and alteration service is desired, or clients just wish to browse. We also love to host small intimate group bookings.

Go to www.dirtyfabulous.com to join our mailing list for regular updates on all the
Dirty Fabulous happenings and new collections .