Second Hand Hunting for Fashion Week
Fashion week is only a week away now (arrghhhh!), meaning I have started to gather my looks for the busiest seven days of the year.This season, I wanted to focus on more of a sustainable approach to my wardrobe choices (absolutely inspired by Emma Watson's Met Gala amazing-ness), so I have decided to re-use, re-style, ethically source and second-hand-hunt for all of my outfits for the week. To increase my chances of striking gold, I hit up the Lifeline Supa-Store & Salvo's Depot Outlet in South Brisbane. A luxury cruise to some, but a hellish and turbulent tin boat ride for others, these are my top tips for successfully navigating and locating treasure in a giant-sized op-shop.
Tip One: Don't make any other plans on the day that you op-shop. These places are literal warehouses full of items that you will HAVE to sift through to find the gems. There are few feelings as hollow as leaving the second-hand store early, having not yet explored the deeper aisles or cluttered piles thoroughly.
Tip Two: Always check out the products on the mannequins as a priority. These items are generally in very good condition (maybe even unworn!), are more 'on-trend' items & are also the pieces that are snapped up the quickest by customers. I bee-lined for the above pictured purple bomber jacket as soon as it was put out onto the mannequin while I was browsing, and for only $6, the mileage that this piece will be getting at FW is priceless.
Tip Three: Take the time to scour the bargain bins. 50cent Original Levi's? Don't mind if I do. Heads up though, delving through these bargain bins is not a pretty task. You will encounter Banana-Republic horrors, near misses in size and devastating home DIY projects before you (potentially) come across the right pair. You may also encounter some fierce competition when rifling through the hoards of denim; remain focused on the prize.
Tip Four: Op-Shops are accessory gold mines. My introduction to second-hand shopping was actually made through buying small bracelets and brooches that were sourced through thrifting. Everyone loves owning unique jewellery and statement pieces, and there is honestly no better place to find these type of items than the oppie! Another fun fact? If you don't have your ears pierced but want to embellish those lobes for the day - the second hand store is always stocked to the brim with clip on earrings in funky designs - fun all round!
Tip Five: Take risks with inexpensive pieces. If something catches your eye that wouldn't be a regular choice for you and it is under $5 then just do it! In my case, Fashion Week itself is about taking fashion risks and being daring and bold in your style choices - so I was happy to come across a few bright & cost effective statement pieces to work into my Winter styling.
Tip Six: Try before you buy! You cannot return any items once purchased from the second hand store, so be thorough in trying on items & examining their quality while in the change room. Look at the seaming, collaring, inner lining (and in the case of shoes examine the sole thoroughly). If you have you heart set on a damaged piece, ensure that either you (or someone in your life) has the sewing skills to fix the damage, and also mention the faulty item to the cashier - they will further mark it down for you!
And finally, Tip Seven: Don't go overboard. Realise that not every single item that strikes your fancy at first sight is going to be a wise choice. The three pictures above illustrate my initial poor judgement of some pieces on the day of the op-shop. I thought a pair of 70's inspired go-go boots, a blotchy, sheer rainbow shirt and an orange puffer bubble bag would be a 'cool, original and hip' addition to my FW wardrobe, but as I pondered on them and perused the rest of the store, I came to understand how awkward the pieces really were. Take risks, but stay within the realm of reality!
