6 Reasons I Love Second-hand Clothes

by Evin // September 5, 2023 // No Comments

Last September, over on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, I shared daily videos of me sporting second-hand clothing in outfits. I am not doing it this year, but those posts are still up to enjoy and be inspired. 6 Reasons I... Continue reading →

Vintage & Second-hand Shopping in Cork City

by Evin // March 29, 2022 // 3 Comments

Leesiders love their style, fashion, and individuality, so it makes sense that we have many options for Second-hand Shopping in Cork City. Though most shops focus on clothing, a few carry books, accessories, curios, and household items as well. By last... Continue reading →

Updating a Conference Backpack with a Monogram | EvinOK

Personalizing a Thrift Shop Conference Swag Bag

by Evin // August 15, 2019 // No Comments

I have been looking for a basic backpack to use for when I need to carry a bit extra for myself and the kids, but don’t want my purse to feel like I borrowed it from Hermione Granger. I usually... Continue reading →

Embracing the 80s with Upcycled Legwarmers

by Evin // January 15, 2019 // No Comments

For Halloween 2018, I made a kind of fun 80s Rainbow Brite inspired costume. I didn’t stay completely true to her original style and worked with what I already owned. Yep, I own these things. The leggings are LulaRoe. The... Continue reading →

Taking in a Thrift Shop Boho Top

by Evin // September 6, 2018 // No Comments

I love checking out the local charity shops (thrift stores) in Cork city. I tend to find them rather hit or miss, but when I find something I love, it’s such a win. One such win is a new (New... Continue reading →

Taking Wish List Ideas to a Real Life Budget – Knitmas 2017

by Evin // December 21, 2017 // No Comments

In this post, I’m hoping to explain how to take wish list concepts and ideas to a budget-minded reality with some handcrafting and strategic shopping. Because sometimes our generous spirits do not always match our bank accounts, but with ingenuity... Continue reading →

How I Sewed My Homemade Elsa Halloween Costume

by Evin // October 28, 2017 // No Comments

In 2015, I made myself an Elsa costume for Halloween. It all started two or three years earlier when I made myself a mermaid costume, using a second-hand formal dress as the base. Mermaids are all sequins and shells and... Continue reading →

Previously Loved Finds: Catching Up

by Evin // January 24, 2015 // No Comments

The past few months have been successful ones for thrift shopping in Cork. I realised I hadn’t posted a Previously Loved Finds update in too long so this is sort of a catch-all with photos. I can’t remember all the... Continue reading →

From Dollhouse to Firehouse: Thrift Find Reimagined

by Evin // December 10, 2014 // 2 Comments

About a year or two ago, while visiting an Enable Ireland thrift store here in Cork City, my son, LB, became enamoured of a Fisher-Price dollhouse. I paid €4, but similar houses are on eBay for £5–20. LB loved it... Continue reading →

Handmade Upcycled Child’s Play Kitchen

by Evin // September 12, 2014 // 2 Comments

It started with an idea for LB’s second birthday which grew to a collaboration and, finally, a creation. I wanted to make my son a play kitchen. The timeline was moved up just after his first birthday when I learned I... Continue reading →

Reusing Jars for Storage, Organizing or Decorating

by Evin // April 19, 2013 // No Comments

Do you love to organize your home while adding to the decor? Yes, me too! My current favorite is reusing glass Glenilen yogurt or mini jam jars to sort my stuff, separate my clutter and speckle my home. They work... Continue reading →

Previously Loved Find: Silk Ball Gown & Oxfam

by Evin // April 5, 2013 // No Comments

Last weekend, I attended the Cork Marketing Institute Ball with my friend Kate (aka FQChefess). It was a rare night out without my boys so I went all out and wanted to wear something dry clean only, put on makeup... Continue reading →

Previously Loved Finds Friday: Glasses and Bowls

by Evin // March 22, 2013 // No Comments

Four finds for €1.50. Good deal or highway robbery? Read about my last Previously Loved Friday finds! Continue reading →

Previously Loved Finds Friday: Everything AND the Kitchen Sink

by Evin // March 8, 2013 // 2 Comments

After my last very popular post about my finds while second-hand shopping in Cork, I thought this should be a regular feature. It may not materialize every Friday but I’ll be sure you won’t miss a find. Since my last... Continue reading →

Previously Loved Finds Friday: Mini Boden, Vintage Ireland and Leon

by Evin // February 1, 2013 // 1 Comment

Charity shops here in Ireland have such a wonderful variety of clothing, books, DVDs, and tableware. It is what inspired #PlateWatch on Twitter and Instagram. Since moving to Cork nearly five years ago, I’ve acquired some real treasures in my... Continue reading →

Books to Inspire You to… Renew! Recycle! Create!

by Evin // May 29, 2012 // 1 Comment

Taking something that already exists and creating something new with it has such poetry – or at least that’s how I see it. It can also be described as resourcefulness, flexibility, thrift, or upcycling. You’ve read about my adventures making... Continue reading →

Upcycled Cardigan Turned Felted Cropped Jacket

by Evin // May 9, 2012 // 5 Comments

I found the softest oversized cardigan at the second-hand shop last year. Its soft gray fibers begged to come home with me in spite of the fact that it resembled a coat more than a sweater. But it’s amazing what... Continue reading →