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Raid My Wardrobe

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Here’s how I paid $3.50 for must-have leather look pants.

in Uncategorized on 28/07/16

Published July, 2016

In winter like many of us, I can get into a bit of a style rut – tending to stick to my fav jeans, jumper and skate shoes for comfort and warm.

I have been noticing lots of people wearing leather or leather look pants this winter and if Kate Waterhouse is anything to go by they are a wardrobe must-have.

Many luxe wardrobe items can be expensive and sometimes may feel out of our reach. So, I’ve decided to share how I shop for wardrobe items for less in between events.

#1 When I know a wardrobe item that I’d love it goes on my wish list – that’s a list either in my head or on a note on my phone.

#2 Every time I am out and about in different suburbs and I see an op shop I cannot help myself I always pop in for a squiz. Leather look pants have been at the top of my wish list for a while.

Image courtesy of I Love To Op Shop

This week I was out with my daughter in Hamilton running an errand and noticed the sign on the Vinnies door “50% off all women’s clothing“. I was not walking past this opportunity.
My 3 tips for whizzing through racks of preloved fashion in a matter of minutes are: 

  • Look in your clothes size only.

 

  • Search for items on your list – forget the rest!

 

  • Stick to your colour, style palette – see below for more ideas. 

So, with my list in mind I whizzed through the op shop racks and low and behold I found a pair of black faux leather pants that fitted perfectly for the bargain price of $3.50!

Don’t think leather or leather-look must-have items belong in your wardrobe? Read inspiration from Sam Woods with how to Look Good In Leather (or Leather Look Fabrics)…(At Any Age).

To see how I end up wearing these leather-look pants follow me hereand here.

Yours in all things preloved,

Rachel Prest

Rachel Prest on Email
Rachel Prest
Rachel Prest
Director & Founder at Raid My Wardrobe
Rachel Prest is founder of Raid My Wardrobe. In 2010, she founded a preloved fashion event for women to refresh, recycle and reinvent their wardrobes. She began this blog in 2016 as a way to inspire, educate and encourage her community with more sustainable ways of fashion shopping, styling and creating. When she's not doing a wardrobe makeover or planning the next event you'll find her down at the beach, hiking or mountain biking in the bush or hanging out with her friends and her kids. Rachel is based in Newcastle, Australia.

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Hi, I’m Rachel — mother of two, founder of Rai Hi, I’m Rachel — mother of two, founder of Raid My Wardrobe, and a lifelong advocate for living with intention, connection, and conscious choice. 🌿✨

Raid My Wardrobe was born in 2010 during a major life transition, when I craved a way to refresh, recycle, and reinvent not just my wardrobe, but my whole life.

What started as a simple idea — a space for women to pass on what no longer served them and find new treasures — quickly grew into a movement, attracting over 1,000 people to our very first event.

My love of second-hand fashion began during my university days, where resourcefulness and creativity walked hand in hand. Later, my work in teaching and charity management deepened my belief in community and purposeful living.

Motherhood shifted everything. It called me to slow down, simplify, and live more intentionally — aligning my choices with my core values of sustainability, authenticity, and sovereignty.

I’m not from the fashion industry — and that’s my strength. I’m passionate about slow fashion, eco-styling, clean living, natural health, and inspiring others to honour themselves, their community, and the earth. 🌏

In recent years, I’ve expanded my creative work into interiors through @lovemyplants101, helping people bring nature indoors and create beautiful, nurturing spaces that support wellbeing and connection.

Today, Raid My Wardrobe is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of women — all shapes, styles, and stories — and a movement toward living soulfully and sustainably.
It’s about fashion, home, and self - being beautiful, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most.

#slowfashion #sustainableliving #intentionalstyle #prelovedfashion #consciousliving #soulaligned #raidmywardrobe
GOODBYE 2023!! Another year is winding to an end a GOODBYE 2023!! Another year is winding to an end as we count down the days until Christmas! 

I'm not sure how this year was for you, but for me it was a very challenging year of navigating a relationship breakdown, dissolving a business partnership and seeking new employment whilst raising two teenagers.

I learnt a lot about myself this year about my strength, resilience and resourcefulness while navigating emotional turmoil and facing adversity and I'm beyond grateful for my support network especially my closest friends who were there to support me, comfort me and cheer me on through it. 

I've heard from a lot of other people that this year was challenging for them too in many different ways and I know that I'm not the only one looking forward to saying goodbye 2023!

So as the year comes to a close and you're busily winding down and preparing for Christmas and the New Year holiday period I wish you to pause and take some time and reflect on;

What did you accomplished this year? 

What were your highlights?

What challenges did you move through?

What were you proud of? 

This Christmas season may you relish on the simple pleasures this time brings, the taste of favourite foods, the excitement of little ones, the hugs of loved ones and the memories of others. 

Be kind to yourself and take time out and rest when you want to, decline obligations where you need to take care of you, seek out pleasures that light you up and fill your cup - time in nature, connecting with friends, doing your favourite activities. 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with radiant health, magical moments, love, joy, happiness and beautiful connections. 

May 2024 be your BEST year! 

Catch you next year with more Raid My Wardrobe events and preloved fashion fun!

Much love, 

Rachel
Rachel's haul from Raid My Wardrobe Cessnock Editi Rachel's haul from Raid My Wardrobe Cessnock Edition. All garments purchased were only $5 each. Many brands new with tags still attached. Such a score approximately $600-$700 worth of clothing for only $60 #recycledfashion #prelovedfashion
MY GIFT - It's a gift that I've been able to conti MY GIFT - It's a gift that I've been able to continue to provide @raidmywardrobe to our community this year with the support of local councils. 

👗It's not all about fashion and bargain hunting.

❤️ It's about connection, community.

👕 It's about sharing valuable resources already in circulation.

🪡 It's about honouring the labour/time, skills and resources that went into creating the garments.

💰 It's about giving local people an opportunity to make extra cash to pay bills, provide for their kids.

💵 It's about keeping cash currency in circulation. 

👭 It's about donating clothing to women escaping domestic violence who leave home with nothing to now have clothing to wear. 

👭 It's about friendship and fun. 

❤️ It's about love and support.
RAID MY WARDROBE open 10.30 - 1pm. Tickets $5 at t RAID MY WARDROBE open 10.30 - 1pm. Tickets $5 at the door. ATM on-site.
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