Fabulous Fashion Finds

People are more aware than ever of their environmental impact and ethical choices, making second hand items at Vinnies Shops highly sought after. Buying second hand means preventing cherished articles of clothing from ending up in landfill. Some of these fashion finds have been luxurious additions to someone’s wardrobe.

A genuine vintage fox fur coat was donated to the Armidale shop a just few months ago. The team at Armidale felt the product could be priced well at $750 and displayed the coat in the front window, attracting much attention. An offer came in for the coat at $700, before it was purchased the next day for the full price.

Another luxury fashion bargain was found in Vinnies Belconnen, Canberra. Blue satin jewel buckle pumps from designer Manolo Blahnik shoes worth $2,125 were being offered for a steal at $35. Social media users easily recognised the shoe as the same one Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City, but there was some speculation the shoe could have been a reproduction.

One lucky customer found the perfect wedding dress in a Vinnies Shop after she was unable to find “the one” in multiple dress shops. She came across a dress that caught her eye at the Tamworth Vinnies Shop and, with the urging of staff, tried it on. The dress fit her so well, she did not need any alterations.

She was prepared to pay for the dress herself, but a generous offer came from one a staff member. She offered to pay for the dress, since she would never get to buy a dress for a daughter.

The dress was down to $250 and the staff member insisted she purchase it for the bride. The dress was second hand, but the bride considers it more special for that reason. She recommends everyone try out op shops because they might find something special.

The funds raised by the sale of goods in Vinnies Shops support the programs and services run in the community providing support to people who experience disadvantage. Shoppers at Vinnies Shops will be pleased to know that finding a great fashion bargain also means giving back to the planet and the people in the community.

Vinnies is celebrating 100 years of shops. Join us in-store to help us celebrate 100 years of finding treasure and raising money to support the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Visit participating Vinnies Shops from 24 October to 6 November to find the golden tagged treasure items. Every transaction made at a Vinnies NSW Shop during this period will be eligible to go in the draw to win one of several big-ticket items, simply scan the QR code at the Vinnies NSW Shop point of sale once you’ve made a purchase.

Find out more at: www.vinnies.org.au/100years