Op-shopping is somewhat of an addiction for me. There’s nothing quite comparable to the thrill of finding an absolute gem in a second hand store- especially when the price is only a fraction of what would be established in an ordinary retail environment. On any given morning, I’ll find myself dressed almost entirely in clothes bought from an op-shop. Take today: I’m wearing a $130 Tussah dress, a pair of leather Jane Debster boots which retail at $260, and a gorgeous vintage Woolmark woollen coat. In total, the outfit probably cost me about $50, yet I’m clad head to toe in high quality brands and fabrics which, as a financially contested university student, would ordinarily be entirely out of reach. My friends call it a secret talent of mine, but I put it down to patience, persistence, and a little dash of creativity. But it’s not only for the looks or the cost benefit that I find op-shopping so valuable. In a world driven so profoundly by fast fashion, poor quality fabrics and ethical considerations regarding the origins of our clothes, the sustainable benefits of buying second hand are profound. According to ABC’s War on Waste, 6000 kilos of clothing and textiles end up in landfill every 10 minutes, which is truly astounding and overwhelming. In a world facing substantial challenges surrounding a booming population and environmental degradation, the ability to cater for such trials will only be possible with significant attitude shifts. One blogger is making great strides when it comes to popularising thrifted fashion and showing just how easy it is to look great while looking after the planet. Or as Claire Press from the Sydney Morning Herald puts it, which I love, “second-hand, but definitely not second best”. Radio journalist Hannah Klose runs the site Never Ever Pay Retail, a diverse platform which covers multiple aspects of second hand fashion, as well as including some stylish snaps of inspiration from Klose’s personal findings. I love this too about op-shop fashion, in that you’ll never be able to identically replicate the look from someone’s photo. Instead, each outfit or piece is unique and has a story. My favourite part of the site is the op-shop locator- a tool which I know will only fuel my addiction, in the best way possible. After spending so much time in op-shops one thing is so clear to me: there are already so many clothes on this planet, and so often we give them away after only a few wears when the trends of the season change. Here’s a challenge for you this year: only shop for clothing at second hand stores and buy pieces which are high quality and classic- unlikely to be considered ‘out of fashion’ in the coming five or so years. I truly believe the future of fashion is sustainability- and buying second hand doesn’t get much more eco-friendly. Trust me, once you start you’ll be hooked!
1 Comment
2/20/2023 12:43:51 am
Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts! It's no secret your bag makes the outfit. Shop styles worthy of their own chair from Dentro, EERA, Coperni and more. From small yet mighty miniature bags, to colour-pop tote and shoulder bags, it's time to meet your match.
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AuthorFourth year Communications and Media student with a passion for sustainability and an addiction to op-shopping. ArchivesCategories |