How my wardrobe is 99% recycled preloved fashion

I was recently interviewed for ABC radio during National Op Shop Week (you can listen to it HERE) and was asked where did my love of buying second-hand come from. It began in op shops – as a child helping my mother and grandmother at the local Vinnies. It also could have been influenced by dumpster diving with my mum at the local tip oh those were the good old days before kerb side pick ups but that’s a story for another day!

You see before the idea of Raid My Wardrobe was ever conceived one of the best places to buy preloved fashion regardless of where you lived city or regional area was op shops! And it still is! I have so many amazing op shop finds.

100% second-hand outfit including shoes and glasses

These days I am very discerning about what I buy ’cause I could have a massive wardrobe but I choose to have less and learn how to mix and match more – something I can teach you too!

The secret to my 99% preloved wardrobe is to:

1.Make lists of what you want (or need to complete your outfits). Gather pictures of outfits or styles that you like and want to recreate.

Preloved distress denim jeans, sequence top and bike jacket

2. Clear out regularly what clothing is not serving you (not a once a year spring clean!) I’m talking every time you bring something ‘new’ home you take something out.

3. Shop op shops, markets and Raid My Wardrobe regularly not just twice a year when the date rolls around. Make second-hand shopping a habit. Find the local op shops in your area click the link for the list http://opshop.org/

Seriously this Boho dress was in the op shop throw out bin. I paid 50 cents for it.

Shopping op shops is a fun way to find what you need ’cause the shops these days are organised so beautifully and the shop keepers want to help you find what you are after!

The best part is discovering amazing local op shops in your area and meeting new people who love second-hand shopping as much as you do.

Whether you’re an avid op shopper or new to it we’d love you to join in the super fun we have each Saturday morning! Everyone helps each other find what they are looking for. Only 6 spots left on this Saturday’s tour. Nov 1 and Dec 3 tours are filling up fast. I’d love to meet you and spend a morning with you helping to get your fashion style sorted.

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.