| uy new when you can get a designer outfit for 50 | | | | popularity of retro fashion, selection and prices will vary |
| pounds or even dollars? Karen Powell explains second | | | | depending on the style, era and where you shop. |
| hand doesn't have to be second best. | | | | Check The Condition |
| I meet friends for dinner wearing a classic linen shirt, | | | | Before you buy a second hand garment check for |
| Armani trousers and a vintage suede jacket. At one | | | | wear and stains particularly in areas that might not be |
| point during the evening, the conversation turns to | | | | noticeable right away such as inside collars and cuffs, |
| clothes. I reveal my outfit is second hand and all three | | | | crotch and underarms. Keep in mind: set-in food, ink or |
| pieces combined cost less than 50. Eyes widen and | | | | rust stains may be difficult or impossible to remove. |
| jaws drop. Dead silence. I seize the opportunity to | | | | To check for threadbare spots or moth holes, open |
| share more about my passion for pre-owned fashion. | | | | the garment and hold it up to the light. If you dont have |
| Charity shops, vintage boutiques and consignment | | | | what it takes to mend, leave well-worn items behind. |
| shops are bulging with fashion cast-offs; pre-owned | | | | Most odours such as must, perfume and smoke can |
| garments commonly referred to as second hand, | | | | be removed. Always wash your second hand |
| recycled, gently-worn, used, like-new and vintage. | | | | purchases prior to adding them to your wardrobe or |
| These alternative shopping destinations offer variety | | | | drawer. |
| and value. From basic T-shirts to designer suits, many | | | | Save Time and Money |
| of the items I find are barely worn, stylish and | | | | Keep an eye out for reductions and special sales. |
| inexpensive. | | | | Second hand shops frequently offer daily discounts, as |
| I go on to boast about how every time I purchase | | | | well as, price reductions during holidays and in-store |
| used instead of new, I help reduce the stream of | | | | events. |
| textile discards headed for the landfill. In addition, buying | | | | Time your shopping with the shops stocking schedule. |
| second hand conserves the natural resources used to | | | | Some resale shops put new items on the floor daily, |
| manufacture new clothing. | | | | others might stock once a week on a particular day. |
| Before I can finish, my friends bombard me with | | | | Resale shops have a no return, no exchange policy. If |
| questions: Where is the best place to shop? Is there | | | | youre looking to match a particular colour or style to |
| much selection? Can I bargain? What about stains and | | | | something in your wardrobe, carry that item with you |
| odour? Heres what I tell them: | | | | when shopping. If youre shopping for someone other |
| Know Where To Shop | | | | than yourself, jot down a few basic measurements. |
| Success in finding second hand clothing that suits your | | | | Be sure to bargain when you shop at flea markets, |
| individual style and budget largely depends on where | | | | garage sales, vintage expos and antique stores. |
| you shop. | | | | Always ask, Is this your best price? or Will you take |
| Fashion Basics: If youre looking for everyday casual | | | | (name your price) for it?? |
| clothing, albeit classic or contemporary, check out the | | | | Donate or consign unwanted clothing and household |
| large charity chains. You will find a vast selection of | | | | fabric discards in useable condition to charity and |
| womens, mens and childrens clothing and accessories | | | | consignment shops. Your recycling efforts can earn |
| of various brands in fair to excellent condition. Prices | | | | you cash. |
| are low to moderate. Fashion basics can easily be | | | | Get Creative |
| found at garage sales, flea markets and small second | | | | If you cant find what youre looking for, make-it |
| hand shops as well. | | | | yourself! Theres plenty of creative potential in second |
| Designer Labels: A consignment shop is the place to | | | | hand clothing and other discarded textile items such as |
| go if you prefer moderate to high-end designer brands. | | | | bedding, linens, curtains, etc. Customise used garments |
| Some sell exclusively women?s wear or children?s | | | | with recycled trims, embroidery, dye or fabric paint. |
| clothes, for example. While others offer clothing for the | | | | Combine features from one garment with another to |
| whole family. You will find a variety of upscale apparel | | | | create an original design. Consider sheets, curtains or |
| in good to excellent condition. Even though youll pay | | | | tablecloths as yardage for making new garments |
| more than charity shop prices, the savings are big | | | | using a commercial sewing pattern or your own. |
| when compared to buying new. | | | | Katherine is a sewn-product designer and produces |
| Vintage: For those of you who love the look of | | | | 2ndHandMade; a collection of sewing guides for turning |
| yesteryear, your best bet is to head straight to vintage | | | | used textile goods into new items. She shares her |
| boutiques, vintage expos, estate sales and on-line | | | | resourceful approach to make-your-own lifestyle |
| auction sites. Occasionally, I get lucky and find vintage | | | | products through a series of creative reuse classes |
| pieces at charity shops and jumble sales. Due to the | | | | that she teaches in San Francisco. |