A friend of mine introduced me to the love of second hand shopping when she moved to Jozi from Cape Town a few years back. She always looks amazing, contemporary, and chic... and her secret? She knows how to shop thrift stores like a fiend. She recently bought a very "interesting" 80s-style, bat-wing leather jacket. A little tailoring here, and a few stitches there, and this jacket looks like it could have come from All Saints...
Benefits of vintage shopping:
- It's CHEAP!!! Some places are cheaper than others, but the average price for a dress is around R10- R50, jackets range from R50- R200 (depending on the fabric, for example leather), handbags go from R5- R20.
- You can find absolute treasures. I found an authentic Gucci clutch bag, with serial number and suede interior, for R5, all because the strap was broken!
- Your clothes will have a story. I always imagine the history behind the clothes. Who wore it, where did they where it?...
- You're helping the environment, as well as each other. Not buying new slows down our consumption, and ultimately reduces land fill problems, and most second hand shops sponsor charities, hospice or animal shelters.
You also need to know what to look for:
- Accessories! Sunglasses, handbags, and jewelry are treasure items. Most of them are sold for a fraction of their worth, and are good quality.
- Beautiful materials or prints, even if the style is hideous. A pair of scissors, and a sewing machine can transform these items into great pieces.
- Jackets. The different cuts are always coming back in. Look for quality.
- Dresses, skirts and shirts... and possibly trousers if you can find a good cut (there are plenty of mom jeans out there!)
- Old suitcases- great looking storage space.
Don't buy:
- Second hand lingerie or swimwear... please!
- Shoes, unless they are in remarkable condition... like never been worn before.
The best part of it all is mixing the old with the new. Brining in current and contemporary pieces which pull the whole outfit up-to-date.
Enough talk... lets see these theories in practice
Outfit 1:
Second hand items: Handbag: R5 Shirt: R20 |
Outfit 3:
Second hand items:
Skirt w/ belt: R15
Outfit 4:
Second hand items:
Blazer: R20
Gucci Handbag: R5
Outfit 5:
Second hand items:
Shirt: free (traded one of my own second hand items for this)
Belt (came with skirt): R15
Outfit 6:
Second hand item:
Old dress that I cut up and turned into a skirt: R15
Outfit 7:
Second hand items:
Shirt: R10
Belt: R2
Bag: R5
Outfit 8:
Second hand item:
Shirt: R5
"When you buy a piece of vintage clothing you're not just buying the fabric and thread - you're buying a piece of someone's past."
ok :) but now you gotta do a post of where???? :) in Joburg PLEASE :)
ReplyDeletesuch awesome outfits!
You have a very amazing eye for fashion love, i like!
ReplyDeletePS: this sounds sooo gay, but it's not gay, just enlightened ;)
http://www.emmajanenation.com/2010/10/pretty-pretty-petticoat/
ReplyDeleteI couldn't resist, I hope you don't mind, but more people need to see this! :)
i love charity shopping - i have a handful of awesome 80s style blouses from the Hospice in Durbs.
ReplyDeletebut all in Durban!
i moved to Joburg a few month back, so the big question is WHERE can i find some vintage goodies here in Joburg??
xx
Whoa, cool!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Emma-Jane's, and I like it!
You have a serious eye for fashion!
Emma
I Love this! Very, Very cool but Im also dying to know where?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing stuff Tas, wow!
ReplyDeleteI am going on a photo taking expedition very soon, an i will report back with pics and addresses for all who wish to know :) thanks for the wall love!!
ReplyDeletewatch this space!
where can I find these thirft stores?
ReplyDelete