Stylist tips for preloved clothing
by Imogene Whittle, Founder & Director, Spree with Me
Spree with Me Stylists: Mary (left) and Amelia Ann (right)
Spree with Me offers personal styling sessions for new and preloved clothes. We were delighted when we were approached by RSPCA QLD to style and model for their upcoming op shop promotions.
I have always been a lover of op shopping. I love the thrill of finding unique items. When you enter an op shop, you inherently bring with you an open mind to the creative possibilities of the items or outfits you might find. And in that way, I think that op shopping reinforces your individual style and sharpens your sense of what your style is (and isn’t!). A personal stylist is perfect for helping you discover pre-loved items that look great and reflect your authentic personal style.
Styling, op shopping and a cute puppy, I’m in my happy place.
“A personal stylist is perfect for helping you discover pre-loved items that look great and reflect your authentic personal style.”
If it’s your first time op shopping, or whether you’re a long-term thrift shopper, you’ll always find something different. And you’re certain to have a new experience with a personal stylist to guide you.
Amelia Ann, Mary and Imogene are experts on the best op shops and preloved stores in Brisbane. As you can see from the photos, we found a huge array of quality and designer items at RSPCA Sherwood.
Beyond the love of finding hidden gems is knowing that you’re saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Spree with Me encourages ethical and sustainable fashion choices, whether it is supporting circular fashion or Australian designers with ethical and sustainable standards.
We encourage shopping mindfully for items that you will love and keep long-term, with a stylist to help you make the best choices. As Vivienne Westwood said: “Buy well, make it last.”
It’s well known by now that textiles come at a huge cost to our environment. It’s fantastic to that op shops are now booming with clothing sales at thrift stores growing at a phenomenal rate.
“Buy well, make it last”
Finding the perfect outfit is doubly as rewarding when you are op shopping. Any limitations of not having multiple size options fall away when you find hidden gem items; those items that are unwaveringly you, and at a fraction of the original cost.
Amelia Ann stylist modelling RSPCA Sherwood store clothing
Our golden rules for pre-loved clothing. Only buy it if:
You love it. If you don’t love it, keep moving.
It fits. Try it on, even if it’s not your usual size on the label as sizes differ greatly between brands.
It suits you, you desired ‘look’ and lifestyle.
The colours compliment your own colour tones. It should make your features sparkle rather than washed out or dull.
You can combine the item into your existing wardrobe, ideally wearing it more than one way.
You have identified the quality of the item. Tears, zippers, hems, buttons, stitching, stains - what’s the cost of your time and money to repair and is it worth it?
Consider what it might take to clean it. Does it suit your lifestyle to wear and clean it regularly, or will is it likely to live at the bottom of your washing basket?
Stylist tip: Up-cycling:
If you were to slightly modify the piece, would you love it? Would it be perfect for you if you could take up the hem of a dress, or buy an over-sized designer jacket and get it professionally taken in? For example, I have loved up-cycling dresses by removing the sleeves, hemming them up or turning them into great skirts.
Deciding whether an item is worth modifying, whether it’s your best fit or colour, and how to wear the garment in multiple ways is something a stylist can help you with.
If your wardrobe is in need of a declutter, please consider donating your quality items to our friends at the RSPCA. Their store locations can be found here.
Mary Styling and modelling RSPCA Sherwood store clothing
Thank you to the RSPCA QLD team and our ‘fetching’ little furry friends for inviting Spree with Me to participate in your styling session and photo shoot (and fur all the fun).
Update your Style with Preloved fashion
Do you want to feel confident and find some amazing budget friendly new pieces to add to your wardrobe?
Find bargain designer and quality pieces hiding in second hand stores, learn how to best style them and receive advice on what will add value to your wardrobe and overall look.
Available in Paddington or Newstead, Brisbane.