About Us



'The Warehouse Locked in Time'

Vintage Plums' story starts in 1964 when La Babalu, one of the first boutiques in Ireland, opened into 'the Swinging sixties'. Situated in Belfast's Church Lane, the then little known area fast became "The Carnaby Street of Belfast"
"The sixties produced some of the most talented designers of the last Century" says owner Pat i.e. Ossie Clark, Nolan Miller, Oleg Cassini, Anne Bruh to name but a few, and we were lucky enough to stock their brands within our many exciting fashion collections!
In 1972 we experienced our first direct bombing, and as a result of that, a warehouse became a necessity, to store the excess stock that had accumulated during the shop rebuild. From then until the Good Friday Agreement(which happily brought about peace) La Babalu was bombed a further two times as well as suffering damage from incendiaries and neighbouring explosions. All of which resulted in more stock being held in what became known as "The Warehouse Locked In Time".
"Although having high warehousing costs throughout the decades" mentions Pat, "I just couldn't bring myself to dispose of these beautiful garments.' With most of the legendary designers now deceased, the factories closed or changed hands, we can at last bring to the web unrepeatable vintage pieces, all from the second half of the last century.
Up to 60 years from manufacturing, these garments sustainability is already proven. Unlike contemporary fashion, rare vintage pieces can command a high price, even when second hand! That is, if you could bear to part with one!
One of our customers commented "it's wonderful to be able to answer the "where can I get something similar?" question with a "NOWHERE" reply. In fact in many cases you could be the only person in the world wearing one of our unworn Vintage Plums.
CLICK BELOW TO SHOP ALL UNWORN VINTAGE

2020's

Belfast Telegraph -
"Treasure trove of vintage designer fashion being sold after rescue from Belfast warehouse"

The Gloss -
Hidden Gems : This New Irish Website Stocks Incredible Designer Vintage With The Tags Still On"

2010's

Belfast Telegraph -
" A Touch of Class"

Sunday Life -
"The Belfast style queen still on trend"

Belfast Telegraph -
"Hollywood gowns for girls about town"

Daily Mirror -
"Fashion Queen Iris.. Calls for £299 swamp Ulster Boutique"

Belfast Telegraph -
"Iris Meets the Queen"

Ulster Tatler -
Front Cover

Ulster Tatler -
Front Cover

2000's

NI Newsletter -
"On track for a sex and the city look..."

Belfast Telegraph -
"Lookalike Oscars fashion in Belfast"

Sunday Life -
"Basque-ing in Glamour"

Belfast Telegraph -
"Traffic-stopper Sian On Red Alert"

1990's

Belfast Newsletter -
"Cruising with Jane McDonald"

Belfast Telegraph -
"Beautiful farewell for top fashion boutique"

Sunday Life -
"Lovely Louisa dressed to thrill"

Life Times -
"Gowns to Di for. Win a dress fit for a princess!"

1980's

Belfast Telegraph -
"Suit that is Taylor made for the rich"

Belfast Newsletter -
"Glittering Occasion"

"Spring Fever"

Accent Magazine -
Front Cover

1970's

Belfast Newsletter -
"It looks better on a girl"

Ulster Woman -
"Dr Zhivago here I come!"

Sunday News -
"No "work" problem for Pat"

Daily Mirror -
"Crochet for days"

Ulster Woman -
"Variations on the maxi theme"

Sunday News -
"What goes over the bikini"

1960's

Ulster Woman -
"You can be the centre of attention in this white crepe party dress by Fab Girl available at La Babalu Boutique"

Woman's World -
"Smart Model In A Smart Rig"

Belfast Newsletter -
"Model Soldiers?"

Ulster Woman -
"Ulster Woman Fashion Flash"

Belfast Telegraph -
"The Hot Pants Warm Up"

Belfast Newsletter -
"Back To Bonnie"

La Babalu's Testimonials Throughout The Years

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  • - Amy

    Would highly recommend for gorgeous outfits and fabulous service!

    - Amy

    Would highly recommend for gorgeous outfits and fabulous service!

  • - Geraldine

    This is my second mother of the bride outfit and both times this has been a one stop shop.

    - Geraldine

    This is my second mother of the bride outfit and both times this has been a one stop shop.

  • - Jordan

    Ordered for a wedding, arrived within 5 days. Delighted with condition.

    - Jordan

    Ordered for a wedding, arrived within 5 days. Delighted with condition.

  • - Michelle

    Very friendly helpful staff. I loved my dress. I felt a million dollars in it

    - Michelle

    Very friendly helpful staff. I loved my dress. I felt a million dollars in it

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