Hey, I’m Emily and I have a shopping addiction. So much so that I’m on a self-enforced spending ban for August and September, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be too! So, consider this a foolproof list of tips and tricks from a self-professed shopaholic, on how to master the niche art of second-hand shopping.

I've been a lover of clothes and fashion all my life. However, I started giving greater thought to the effects my purchasing decisions had on the environment when I became aware of the magnitude of the fashion industry's pollution. Ninety-two million tonnes of garments end up in landfills each year. With 56 new items per year, Australians buy more clothes per person than any other country in the world.

I see myself as a conscious and sustainable person, and I realised there must be a better alternative to buying clothes off the rack, wearing them once (or never) and perpetuating this unsustainable fashion cycle.  

So whether you prefer shopping in-person or online, there are great alternatives to fuel your addiction without impacting our planet!

Depop 

Depop is a second-hand shopping platform that sells clothes and accessories from old owners to new ones.

I learned about Depop in 2020 at the start of the pandemic and I was immediately hooked. Considering I couldn’t physically get to the shops, Depop provided the perfect solution for a shopping fix that came without a guilty conscience. 

Think of it as your TikTok ‘For You Page,’ but for clothes. Once you start using Depop a little more frequently, the algorithm gets a hint of your personal taste to suggest items for you. After you tailor your feed and start looking for the specific items you really want on Depop, the magic begins. 

You’ll no doubt end up spiralling down rabbit holes looking at various sellers’ profiles, likes and further suggested items, curating a second-hand wish list so good you could only dream of owning it all.

Not only was I gifted the ability to shop guilt-free, knowing I was helping to reduce wastage, but I could simultaneously find unique and stylish second-hand items that made me stand out. 

One of the main advantages of using Depop is sourcing clearly one-of-a-kind pieces. Being the owner of unrepeatable second-hand items that both elevate an outfit and do good for the planet left me feeling optimistic about my experience.

Another benefit of using Depop is finding clothes that have sold out from retail stores. I often saw people in the clothes I wanted to wear, but when I discovered those clothes were out of stock, Depop came to the rescue.

Whilst occasionally you may have to hunt around on Depop to find the listings that suit your style and budget, I’d encourage you to test it out. 

Shopping in-person

If scrolling online isn’t to your taste, no worries - you can’t skip over the potential of a trusty suburban op shop. My personal go-to is Savers, a warehouse-style store that champions reuse. They have a plethora of shops spanning all over Victoria making it accessible for students and shoppers alike. 

However, if second-hand superstores, like Savers, are too overwhelming at first, you can try your local suburban op shop. 

But even that can be daunting for the inexperienced, so here are some handy thrifting tips: 

1. Always start with the shoes. It’s a gentle way to ease yourself into searching all those clothing racks. I am on the perpetual look-out for the perfect leather square-toe knee-high boot, keep an eye out for me, will you?

2. Then head to the tops. The secret here is to make sure you don’t skip to just one section within the shop, there are hidden diamonds in the rough I promise!

3. Remember, patience is key! I don’t advise second-hand shopping when in a rush. Bring your headphones with you and play your favourite podcast or playlist to add to the experience.

4. Celebrate when you find your pieces!

Where to shop

Conquering your local Salvos or Vinnies means you’re ready to progress to the next level - knowing which suburbs house the best finds. 

Close to the Monash Caulfield campus, Malvern Salvos consistently provides affordable unique second-hand pieces. This is my go-to op-shop for corporate attire. You can find many well-made tailored pieces like suit pants and blazers that complement your wardrobe essentials for, say, internships or job interviews. 

My final tip as a self-professed shopaholic is this - don’t skip over the curated second-hand stores either. Located closer to the inner-city suburbs, Goodbyes in Prahan, SWOP in Collingwood and Lost and Found in Fitzroy have higher-end pieces for sale alongside everyday items with distinctive edge. 

You’ll often have to pay a higher price to shop from these second-hand stores, but the fun of just browsing the racks is part of the experience too. 

Next time you have a day off or afternoon free and are looking for some time to fill, don’t pass up the opportunity to head down to your local op shop or peruse Depop.