Passion For Fashion
‘Secondhand September’
Jen is one of the popular ones. A sucker for the latest fashion. Has to buy something new each season just to keep up appearances. Brand names are essential, and totally worth paying for.
Emily, her best friend, couldn’t care less about the latest trends. All she cares about is other humans, animals, and the environment. And she’s somehow managed to drag Jen into her favourite op shop ...
Jen complained the whole way in the car and is now standing just inside the doorway of the local ‘Save the Children’ with her nose screwed up. How can people buy this stuff?
Emily has already dropped off a bag of used clothes at the front counter and has made her way to the jackets aisle. This is where she found the faded denim jacket that she’s currently wearing; it’s her favourite.
Still at the front of the shop, Jen—who has been peering at the unfamiliar scene over this season’s sunglasses—removes her shades, pulls down on her moroon suede jacket, and plucks up the courage to explore.
Tightening the lacky in her loosely tied bun, Emily takes a shirt off the rack and takes it over to Jen. “What do you think?” she asks. “That actually really suits you,” Jen responds, surprised at her own reaction.
“There are some things over there that I think you’ll like, Jen,” Emily states confidently. Jen isn’t so sure, but she follows Emily and has a look. Hmm, these don’t look too bad …
Before she knows it, Jen is in the dressing room with six items (the maximum) and is trying on her ‘new’ outfits. She checks the fabric carefully and then puts each one on.
Emily is outside waiting for Jen to reveal each piece as she tries it on, ready to provide the required friend feedback. She’s already chosen her own gems from the treasure chest and is ready to pay.
Inside the change room, Jen takes a moment to admire the way the clothes fit her figure. She smiles as she looks in the mirror, then walks out to show Emily her final item.
Emily nods with approval. Jen brings her chosen pieces out and they make their way to the counter. Other customers are chatting and laughing. This seems like such a happy and relaxed place.
With a grin, Jen pays for her pieces of clothing—I can’t believe that it was less than $20 for all three!—and heads out into the bright afternoon sun, already dreaming up ways to accessorise them.
To get involved in Oxfam International’s ‘Secondhand September’, watch this video:
Then make a visit to your local charity shop, such as The Salvation Army, Goodwill, St Vinnie’s, Good Sammy’s, Save The Children, Red Cross, Oxfam, or one of the many others in your neighbourhood.
Alternatively, try an online op shop, such as ThredUp, Beyond Retro, or depop.
Thank you for reading! If you’d like to subscribe, please follow the link below:
