One of the best things you can do to be an environmentally-conscious Kiwi is to buy clothes second hand. While of course we all like to get something new from time to time, what goes around comes back around and it’s important to be wary of buying new pieces if you find that they keep end up getting stuffed in the back of your wardrobe.
Growing up, I was lucky because I had a Mum who bought my clothes…probably too many clothes in fact. She’d see a piece she liked, likely put it on layby and a few weeks later it would make its way to me, whether I liked it or not (fortunately, she had good taste most of the time).
My way of rebelling was to go and buy my own clothes from op-shops - because that was all I could afford as a teenager and then early-twenty-something. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the bobbly jumpers I came up with, or some of the dodgy sun-dresses, the brilliant thing about buying from op-shops was that they weren’t a huge investment. I could play with the latest trends for a fraction of the cost of what it would have cost to buy something new.
While best of all is if you use what you already own, and try to style it in a fun and fresh way, thrifting gives you the thrill of the chase, never knowing what you’ll find…
Nowadays, I try and be more mindful if I go clothes shopping, deliberately looking for specific gaps in my wardrobe that I might need to fill - say, a patterned shirt to go with a new skirt.
If you’re a resident of Wellington, and you like buying retro, second-hand or vintage - you’re in luck. Shopping from op-shops (or vintage stores) is a timeless tradition in Wellington. We’re blessed to have some wonderful, clever curators who know their craft well. If you’re looking for somewhere to go and find a bargain, here’s what you can expect from various places in Wellington.
Charity Stores
Charity stores are what often springs first to mind when you think of op-shopping. For example, Wellington City Mission Stores, St Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army Stores, and Opportunity For Animals are all places that bargains can be found in Wellington. A pair of flared pants or a colourful Hawaiian shirt could be yours for the price of a coffee, but is a case of having the time to look. For example, I found a coat which I love at the Aro Street St Vincent De Paul once which was only $50. Other times, I’ve spend hours looking and become entirely discouraged. Second hand charity shops are best for hardened thrifters who enjoy the thrill of the chase. If you’re in Wellington, you’ll often find that even in the less glamorous spots, people tend to pick through things and you have fierce competition from other thrifters. Which leads me to…
SaveMart
If you feel up to a bit of travel, a visit to SaveMart “Where you dress for less” might be worth the trip. One former colleague of mine used to be a whizz at SaveMart, splitting the sections into categories - dresses, trousers, shirts etc - to find the best bargain based on her personal experience of how frequently good items were brought in. I’ve heard that SaveMart Levin is the best of the bunch close to Wellington, but you can also try and head to Porirua or Upper Hutt. It is more common to find gems which have been overlooked in the rural communities of Wellington, so consider making a day of it. Again, you will need to hunt somewhat to find what you’re looking for which is why it is a good idea to go in with a clear idea of what you want, but also be open to finding something surprising.
Retro Shops of Cuba Street
Ziggurat and Hunters and Collectors are where you will find the creme de la creme of vintage in Wellington. Everything in these stores has been curated to perfection, and it attracts the best consignment-sold items, but you’ll pay for it too. At Hunter and Collectors you’ll find labels like Diane Von Fustenberg, Calvin Klein, and Issey Miyake, stocking a mix of vintage and second hand designer. It even has an online store so you can shop vintage from the comfort of your own bed at home. At Ziggurat, one half of the store stocks retro and vintage, while the other stocks quality second hand items, sold on consignment. This is the perfect store for those who feel like they should have been born in another era: if you’re after a bowler hat or a classic 50’s fur coat, Ziggurate is the place for you.
90’s Style Vintage
If you are looking for 1990’s clothes, which have been sourced from around the world, you want to head to Thrift and Emporium. Unlike Ziggurat and Hunters and Collectors, labels are part, but not the whole story. Here, it’s all about sartorial style stolen from the 90’s. Think Aaliyah and Backstreet Boys chic. While on brand for the fashion moment right now, the pieces are often no less (and maybe even more) than what you’d buy new.
Recycle Boutique - In a league of its own
Recycle Boutique has high quality second hand clothes you’ll covet. I always sell my clothes I need to move along here because they have excellent processes and good patronage. Usually everything sells, and I love that they’re really organised and have an online system so you can track your goods as you go. Recycle Boutique is the perfect place to pick up second hand twentyseven names, Karen Walker or Kate Sylvester. If you’re into the thrill of the chase, check out their Monday $4 rack.
Paper-Bag Princess
Paper Bag Princess is your one stop shop for affordable second hand clothing. With branded seconded hand clothing and awesome 70s, 80s and 90s vintage clothing they have something for everyone. While you won’t find the designer pieces you would at Recycle Boutique, this is a great vintage store for those who have a good eye and can mix and match eras and styles.
