161095: September 2014

There are a few things in life that make me feel infinitely happy and when I do said things my whole life changes and rainbows appear and I realise the beauty of life again and again. One of these things is going shopping at vinnies/salvos etc, far more so than just going shopping at a centre. Purely because of the sense of accomplishment that comes along with finding treasure within someone else's trash, which is why I find myself going to various 'thrift shops' weekly. I use no exaggeration when I say weekly because I genuinely go out of my way to make the commute to my local vinnies every week because well, there's always something new to discover and a new project to start.

Now, I'm not making this post to be like "yeah I just LOVE vinnies all my clothes are either designer or from op shops haha!" Because people who make a point of where they purchased their clothes are the worst kind of people but rather, make a point of just how good op shops can be and how the negative stigma surrounding vinnies is both unwarranted and unfair. For me, shopping at second hand shops was something my father instilled in me as he was quite into making the most of ones means and living sustainably. I used to hate the idea of wearing someone who I didn't know's old clothes (that's not to say I didn't live in hand me downs up until I was about 12) because if they were in vinnies someone obviously died in them???? gross???? I'll just wear my brothers' old sneakers and live in peace??? But not really, because once you discover that all of these preconceived values are dumb you live a lot more simply and gain sincere fulfilment from scavenging through the racks and racks of clothes until you find the kind of treasure that all of your friends resent you for.

Which is exactly what happened to me and what changed my entire life, because Vinnies stock the same things you would find at the markets but for a quarter of the cost and the money you spend goes to a really good cause which I think is the most important. Most of the staff at vinnies stores are volunteers, the donations are given by people who don't want anything in return and the money made goes to people in need. Moreover, you find some serious gems that General Pants try to stock in store to mimic, it's a win-win and I can't sing my praises enough.

I'm going to conclude this with a few dorky images of the some best things I've bought whilst 'thrifting' and encourage you to do the same. I've found some serious gems at a Vinnies in the snowy mountains, and equally as good items in Paddington, the world is your oyster.