Opshoppin’ around: the best spots in Wellington
Buying clothes all new isn’t the shit anymore because fast fashion has a rancid reputation and if you go find anything ethically sound, the price tag is beyond a student budget. Thankfully, people have learnt to capitalize the second-hand market and good second-hand clothes can be hard to come by at reasonable prices. Hell, at an op-shop in Dunedin there was a pair of fake Versace shoes for $400, what the absolute fuck.
Don’t get me wrong, this second-hand comeback is fucking fantastic really – it’s ethical and you can get quirky steals most of the time. But hey, if you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford Recycle Boutique prices, here are some “I can still afford a life this week” priced op-shops close to the city.
I took to Kilbirnie and Newtown with fashion connoisseurs Aj, Robbie, and Massive photographer Liam - to put together some sex-alluring outfits
St Vincent de Paul – Kilbirnie
There was a front and back entrance, which gave a wonderful indoor-outdoor airflow. This mightn’t sound that important for an op-shop but it is, because it means that you don’t feel like you’re rummaging through your grandparents clothing when finding some nifty clothes. It had good everyday wear with a wide range of other well-priced housing goods. Unlike most op-shops, this one had a fantastic range of sharp blazers for all sizes. I must say this op-shop wasn’t all that colourful clothing-wise, but the prices were roughly $10 an item (around $25 - $40 for the coats and blazers). There was a fair amount of exercise gear which Aj incorporated into the space-cadette ensemble. On that note, fucking great spot for some cheap snow gear for the ski season ahead.
Rating: 6/10 crusty donated op-shop grundies that your grandies used as a cum-rags.
Full outfit cost:
Liv: $10
Robbie: $30
Aj: $36
Red Cross – Kilbirnie
The shop itself is placed on a corner and is quite small but the items are impressive. This is the type of op-shop that’d sell a pair of sick Levi’s for $20 not knowing what they’re worth on the second-hand market. The items are decent and there was a huge batch of what looked to be returns for Country Road, Zara, and Witchery. There wasn’t that much clothing to choose from, but a good selection of random gems including brand new stilettoes and broken-in sexy dandals (dad sandals). Although the eggy-themed 60s combo is a funky number, I think Robbie’s outfit takes the cake here looking like the weird coffee-breath-stanking drum teacher that roamed around your high school.
Rating: 7/10 overpriced Levi’s jeans sold on Cuba Street for the real alty’s.
Full outfit cost:
Liv: $28
Robbie: $32
Aj: $30
Salvation Army – Newtown
It’s the biggest op-shop we went to, and if you’re looking for a dress up party outfit, you’ll be finding it here. As well as some of those nice couches that get set on fire at some point. Great selection of clothes and quite a few that still have their tags on them! Prices are extremely good, and the selection of shoes is outrageous. The four of us agreed that this was a championship contender. I loved the puffy black skirt and felt this 1920s sex-worker outfit expressed my alter-ego. Do you guys remember Carol Baskin? Robbie’s clearly her new husband while Aj their new son dresses to say “it’s not a phase, mum”.
Rating: 9/10 free stale bread rolls from MAWSA
Full outfit cost:
Liv: $45
Robbie: $27
Aj: $23
Opportunity for Animals – Newtown
From funky fanny-packs to a classic durag, Opportunity for Animals has your basic needs for being in that festival thriving time of your life. Don’t take any meaty foods in store as there are t-shirts on the wall that scream “MEAT IS MURDER”. Great selection of clothes and the average top was in the $5 mark. It was definitely one of the cheaper op-shops that we went to and their profits go towards the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary (they look after rescue animals). To be honest, I found it quite hard to put together an outfit in this shop, but if you’re on the hunt for some questionable accessories, you’ll find some quirky additions to add to your “let's get fucked” look.
Rating: 8/10 landlords that won’t let you get a cat
Full outfit cost:
Liv: $17
Robbie: $18
Aj: $24
Aunty Dana’s – Newtown
This place was a fuckin’ vibe! At the front of the shop, they have a menu list for each clothing item and their set price! This is great because it means you can pick what clothing items you need and can be guaranteed it’ll be that price. Their profits go towards Gender Minorities Aotearoa, so you can trust that your spending is going to a good cause. The shop was full of super colourful clothing and the workers are so nice! Great banter and overall was a fantastic time. The shop was small, but the selection was fantastic - especially if you want to dress up as a giant bloody tampon.
Rating: 11/10 fucking awesome rainbows
Full outfit cost:
Liv: $15
Robbie: $25
Aj: $25
Overall, buying quality second-hand clothes doesn’t have to have an expensive price tag attached to it like the bougie thrift-stores on Cuba Street. Charity stores are the best so long as you’re not going to buy yourself a crusty pair of grundies. Fuck it, you’re in Wellington, might as well dress the part. Add to your wardrobe with anything you find, just make sure you end up with an ill-fitting pair of Doc Marten’s – that's when you truly know you’ve done the best op-shopping you possibly could here.