A big part of why I started the blog all those years ago, was that I didn’t see the way I dressed represented in mainstream media. And I suppose it is hard to put ‘vintage’ or ‘op-shop finds’ on the pages of glossy magazines, but none the less I knew I wasn’t alone in how I mixed up my wardrobe with new designers pieces, high street fashion and vintage and second hand clothes.
When I was thinking on this outfit it struck me that it’s a perfect example of how I’ve dressed since I was able to buy my own clothes when I was about 12 or 13. Even when I was allowed to go to Sportsgirl or was given a hallowed Stussy t-shirt (it was the 90s ok? Although I think they’re ‘back,’ someone remind me. The 90s that is.) I would still take myself off to op-shops to find one-off things.
If you are a teenager or you have teens and you’re reading this, do they do the same? I know we all go through a stage growing up where we are fussy and usually want what everyone else at school is wearing and god forbid you would be seen dead at an op-shop.
I suppose with Grunge being so influential on me as a teen and in a pre-internet age, the imagery that I based what I wore on came largely from magazines like Rolling Stone or Smash Hits that featured Nirvana or Pearl Jam wearing second hand clothes themselves. I can remember being 14 and finding a black slip in a Salvation Army store that was exactly like one I’d seen Courtney Love wearing and thinking I was in heaven.
So is mixing things up in your wardrobe something that some people do, and others don’t? Do you like wearing second hand clothes?
I’m curious.
What I’m wearing:
Blouse: Vintage Joseph Magnin piece from Etsy
Skirt: Liz Jordan
Heels: Marc Fisher
Belt: ASOS
Purse: Keepsake the Label
Grecian earrings: Etsy
Bracelet: Karla Deras for Roman Sun Stone
21 comments
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I went to a private girls school and pretty much everyone dressed the same. I wish i had op-shopped back then (i finished high school in the early 90’s.) I wish I’d had the confidence to just do my own thing.
I did wear clothes of my mum’s that were 10-20 years old. I have a jacket i took from her wardrobe when I was 16 and I’ve been wearing it ever since – 22 years now!
About 15 years ago I got into vintage and the last 5-7 years I’ve started op-shopping on a regular basis. Over half my wardrobe is from op shops and I love it. My financial situation has changed a lot in the past 7 years but I still love to buy new clothes, I’m so glad I like op-shopping as I would find it much harder if I had to pay retail prices.
I take my kids with me (age 3 and 6) and let them pick a toy, a book or clothes. My 6 year old is so proud of his finds, telling his dad he got it at the Salvos. 🙂 I hope they keep that attitude, I’ll certainly encourage them to wear what they like not just follow trends/friends.
I have found that most of the outfits I share on my blog contain at least one op-shopped/vintage/pre-loved piece. I have a high percentage of op-shopped things in my wardrobe and I think it stems from the fact that I want to be different and unique. I still have items in my wardrobe that I purchased from op-shops when I was 15 (8 years ago now!) and I do still wear them. Even as a teen I wanted to be different.
I loves stories like this! You’ve made me think now: what is the oldest op-shop purchase that I own? I’m going to hunt through my wardrobe now 🙂
Ha ha ha, I can relate, even though it was years ago now I don’t miss school either!
My year 11 formal dress was a vintage 1950s ball gown that my mum bought be from an antique shop in Rathdown St, Carlton. I still have it and treasure it!
So interesting Kerry, perhaps it’s something you grow into as you get older and have more confidence? As in, you just don’t care what shops you are seen in!
I’ve op shopped since my teens, as I’ve got older I’ve become more passionate about it and make a weekly visit to my local op shops and occasionally make treks into my favourite inner city suburbs for a day of op shopping. My wardrobe is probably 50/50 op shop/retail buys. My teenage daughter is developing a love of vintage now and on a recent birthday shopping expedition into the city she ended up with some gorgeous pieces all from vintage and op shops in Melbourne CBD. Nothing retail! That said, she would not be caught dead in our local op shops!
Anyway I recently bought a gorgeous handmade floral dress and a ‘Leona’ frock when op shopping in Windsor. All ready for summer!
Love the bag sweety 🙂
correction – * rather than going with what is currently on trend.
Thinking back to my teenage and early 20s living in London, I’d be more inclined then to buy new, and add in a few charity shopped or market purchased pieces to an outfit. Whereas now, I’ll only buy op shopped or second hand fashion.
I do think the key with being a ‘good’ op shopper, is knowing your own personal style, and what suits you, therefore rather than going with is currently on trend.
Knowing the type of fashion that suits your body shape and/or colouring can help when it comes to mixing up vintage with new fashion.
Anyone can follow a fashion trend, but not everyone can be stylish.
Great topic Lady M
I’ve been out of school for over 10 years but My year 11 formal dress was from the op shop. My 1st pair of jeans I bought was a pair of Betino liano’s for $1 from Camberwell market. I was spending most weekends at the market or op shops. I love op shopping and now that I have improved my sewing skills I’m now op shopping more. I especially love op shopping overseas!
Well… That was riddled with errors but you get my point.
I just got out of high school last year, also in Melbourne, and I mostly agree with what Maz said. I did find, however, that in about Year 10 it because suddenly very fashionable to go for vintage (less so for op-shopping, but it was still acceptable) so long as you bought the “right” thing. It was a great find then! Otherwise, it was dangerously eccentric and somebody probably died in it. (I don’t miss school.)
Absolutely love this outfit Phoebe. What a complimenting and elegant touch it is. Love Love Loooove it.
I think I can completely understand/relate to you. I am a teenage girl myself living in Melbourne and majority of the girls I’m surrounded by, almost cringe when I say the word “op shop” or “thrift store” but never forget to compliment me on my op shops finds and ask what store I purchased them from. When I reply from an op shop, I mostly get an “oh”. I love op shopping, I prefer it to shopping stores I think, because most of my treasured items are second hand. I think people often group op shopping as being “cheap” and that is not something they’d want to be known as. There’s just a beautiful feeling that walking into an op shop and finding something you instantly fall in love with that a retail store can’t do. For me that is, anyways.
My favourite trench which I only gave away a year ago, I bought in 1996 for about $12 – I wore it for years and years and eventually had it re-lined. Probably my best op shop piece ever.
I love op shopping too – and started back in the 90s when you could actually find really amazing stuff from the 50’s & 60’s … in the bargain bin! 🙂 Some of my favourite clothes have been found rummaging in oppies! I love going in with no expectations and coming out with something you know that you’re not going to see any one else wearing! And the best part is mixing unique finds with new items! The 90s were definitely the best times….
Op-shopping is a different thrill, when compared to local retail stores. Rampaging through clothes that have been forgotten and finding one off pieces that’s the true excitement I think…One of my favourite denim jackets that I wear quite a lot was only $7 and it’s in great but worn condition…
I love it! I loved the grunge days. It didn’t matter what you wore and it was my introduction to op shopping!