Sally Koornneef and Michelle Tarter talk to DEIRDRE McQUILLAN
SALLY KOORNNEEF, mother and student
Describe what you're wearing: The black jacket is by John Rocha, from a second-hand shop in Dundrum village, for €20. The tartan pintucked smock is by Odd Molly – a Swedish label. I bought it in a second-hand shop in Bray for €3. The brand sells in Avoca and Toil Glitter in Greystones. It's a size three, and I am a size one, so it has to be adapted. The leggings are from Bershka in Dundrum, and the suede boots from a car boot sale that takes place every second Sunday in Greystones. The embroidered necklace was made by a friend, Ella Drumgoole. The leather bag, by Vic Matie, was €10 in a car boot sale.
What do you look for? I have certain labels I like, and I shop on eBay. One tip about eBay is that I go on .de and .nl and .fr, and buy certain designers, like Odd Molly, that I like. On the Irish site there are only six or seven items, but on the others there are 70 or 80. Sweden is a little more complicated, but I've learnt a few key words.
Your best buy? I bought a jewellery box for €4 for my sister, and when I shook it, a gold ring fell out and then a second one – later I discovered they were worth €300 each!
Favourite shops?Toil Glitter in Greystones – I just love the stuff there. And Vincent de Paul shops in Dundrum, Wicklow and Bray are my favourites. I got a John Rocha knitted coat at a car boot sale for €100, from a woman who lives in a cottage in the mountains.
Style tips? Smocks are great for older women, if you don't have a massive bust, and Odd Molly do loads of lovely tunics. Don't be afraid to stand out a little. What's on top is the most important – the right colours for your face, and shiny, healthy hair. I use Lidl's own brand shampoo and conditioner, and get it cut once a year. As you get older and colder, the perfect coat is what's important! If you buy something you like, keep wearing it – don't keep it for a special occasion.
What is the most you've ever spent? About five years ago I bought a Tommy Hilfiger winter coat for €250, and though I am tired of it now, I can't give it away. I do get tired of clothes, but tend not to hoard – clothes get old very quickly. I could never throw out anything my husband bought me.
Describe your style:It's kind of folky, and I like a mixture of rich, earthy colours – browns, greens – I don't like insipid shades or pastels.
What do your clothes say about you? I think they say that I enjoy making an effort, that I take pride in my appearance, and that I really enjoy creating and mixing things. And that I am adventurous.
MICHELLE TARTER, mother of three
Describe what you're wearing: The jacket is a second-hand HM, bought in a bag exchange from a friend. The velvet and lace camisole top is from Penneys, from "an evening with the girls" exchange. The belt, like many pieces, is about 20 years old and had a rebirth – I added a new leather loop. The khaki skirt is by Passager, from another bag drop. The grey leggings are Penneys, and the shoes are Dr Scholl, bought for $25, reduced from $125. The earrings are from Penneys, and the coloured scarf was a gift from my mother-in-law.
You certainly find bargains! There are seven second-hand shops in Bray, but on Camden Street in Dublin there are more diverse labels, bigger sizes – though it's a bit rough and ready and not as well displayed as in Bray. Nowadays there are much more foreign imports in second-hand shops, because of the immigrant population. I have noticed, for instance, a lot of African clothes, like kaftans, in Dún Laoghaire.
What's the most you've ever spent? About £160 on a John Rocha white padded parka, 23 years ago. I gave it to a friend who lives in Paris, and she dyed it. If I do part with things, I give them to friends.
How do you describe your style? It's individual, because I know my own body shape and colours that suit fairly well, and I like the little edge and fun of what I wear.
Where do you shop/scout?I look at lot in Penneys for things like leggings – they just help somebody older to wear something short, and are good for our climate and age group. They are a huge asset. You need about three colours so you can pull them from summer into winter. I get inspired by Sisley in Benetton, because they stick to a small palette of colours and the fabrics are beautiful. And I like Benetton, more out of nostalgia, because it brought colour to the grey 1970s in Ireland. I like to shop with Sally, because we are friends, and focused.
Any style tips? You must get to know your body shape, and secondly your colours. You may not like pink, but pink may like you. It's about complexion and age. I can't wear orange, for example, but I can incorporate it into a print or a piece of jewellery, and it can work that way.
Has your way of dressing changed? I have become more relaxed about what suits me. I don't mind the attention now that I am older. I would say I am a little more adventurous.
Anything you draw the line at? I would never wear a black polo neck, because I don't think I have the shoulder width to carry it off. I would rarely wear trainers, and never tracksuit bottoms.
Your favourite piece?I made a big 1950s skirt in bright yellow tulle with an over-layer of black tulle, which I wear with a little black corset. I made it for a wedding and I'll always find somewhere to wear it.
Do you dress to please yourself?I dress for pleasure, but I also love to please others. I like people to look at and enjoy what I am wearing.
What do your clothes say about you?That I am not rich and not poor, and that anything is possible. I know what suits me – I have a long face and a small waist, and it is good when you get older and can loosen up. I am not a fitness person at all, so I rely on knowing what is right for me and making the most of it.