New old is the new new: How to shop secondhand in Christchurch

Cityscape is checking out the best of upcycled and mindfully purchased high fashion in Christchurch. Then we’re jumping 20, 30, 40 years back in time for a look at the home styles, hairdos, fashion, and even exercise routines that are making a resurgence in 2021 and 2022.

Shopping mindfully

Thinking about your impact on the planet and the people around you can apply to every aspect of your consumption, from food and household items, to buying new clothes and upcycled fashion. Nobody expects you to spend three hours researching the ethics of every brand you buy, but there are simple things you can do to be more mindful when buying.

The first step is to be organised. Have a plan when you head to the store. You can still impulse buy that vase that’s going to look absolutely perfect on your kitchen table if your heart really wants it, but before you tap that payWave, think about where it’s going to go, whether it will really serve a function, and whether significant others in your life will appreciate it. These catches can prevent you buying stuff that just isn’t needed, save your budget, and prevent you having to throw out old stuff to make room for something new.

At Cityscape, we’ve really jumped on the secondhand bandwagon. There’s just so much amazing stuff on offer, and giving items a second life is easier on the environment as well as your pocket. The key with buying secondhand is to go for quality. Ditch the use-and-throw-away mentality and, if it’s within your means, buy items that cost a bit more, but will last a long time.

Understand what ethical certifications mean, and which ones are important to you. This does require doing a little research, but it’s worth it. What does ‘certified organic’ really mean? It depends on the certifying organisation, but it generally indicates product traceability, control over the types of chemicals used, and good animal and worker welfare. Is ‘fair trade’ a real thing? Yes, there are two organisations in New Zealand certifying that goods are produced by people who are paid and treated fairly around the world. But you generally don’t need to buy fair trade if the product is completely made in New Zealand, because our employers are required by law to pay the minimum wage regardless of certifications.

On the other hand, you may wish to look out for Kiwi businesses who are certified living wage employers – the living wage is $22.75 per hour ($2.75 more than the minimum wage). Then there are more obscure certifications like ‘biodynamic’ (an extreme version of organic winemaking that follows an astronomic calendar) and ‘cruelty free’ (a relatively unregulated label that generally means the company doesn’t do animal testing). Some labels are more reliable than others, and it’s a hard world to navigate.

And shop local! When you buy from real people who know their products, you can ask them questions about how and where the clothes, personal care products and household items were made. And whenever you buy from a local business, a real person does a happy dance. Remember, you deserve good stuff that lasts a long time and doesn’t harm the planet.

Tips for shopping vintage

Check that label You can often get quality fabrics like merino and cashmere secondhand for the same price as cheap synthetics. They’ll wear better and last longer.

Size is just a number Shop around the sections. Remember that some clothes may have stretched a bit with wear, and secondhand jeans and wool are often shrunk.

Gender bender Women, hit up the men’s section for cool oversized shirts, jerseys and blazers. Men can find funky prints and statement styles in womenswear.

Take your time Vintage shopping isn’t like picking the size and colour you want from a perfectly-organised rack on High Street. Spend time finding the perfect hat, jacket or dress. Enjoy the experience, and enjoy the rewards your patience earns you.

Walk away Don’t settle for something you feel ‘meh’ about. Come back next week, or next month for the new stock.

Get the upper hand Patience is a virtue, but strategy is smart. Ask the team at your favourite upcycling stores when new stock is arriving, and come back then.

Alter – within reason It’s worth paying for good clothing alterations. You can pay to have something taken in, out, up or down for a perfect tailored fit for the fraction of the price of a new item.

Shop the fancy ‘hoods Regular old op shops in flash suburbs often have hidden gems – designer clothing donated by someone who doesn’t want them anymore.

Plan Know what you already have and what you need to fill out your wardrobe lineup. Don’t get the same colour pants you always get – you’ve already got three of those in the drawer at home! Look out for the special item you need to complete an outfit, or a piece of seasonal wear missing from your collection.

Throw the plan out Yes, we know what we just said. But vintage hunting isn’t about ticking everything off a list. It’s about spotting things that grab your attention – a colour you’ve never worn before or a stunning dress you just fell in love with.

Damage control Most stores are pretty good at checking their stock for stains, holes and missing buttons, but you should always do your own check before buying.

Accessorise and bedazzle It’s not just about clothes! Secondhand stores and upcyclers are the perfect places to find quality jewellery, handbags, hats and scarves to take your outfit to the next level.

Work it out

There’s just something so fun about high-energy ‘80s- and ‘90s-style workouts with fluoro leotards and electro-pop hits playing in the background. Good news! You can find all the retro exercise videos you’ll ever need on the internet.

Hit up YouTube and Reddit for everything from 1980s Jazzercise to 1990s step classes and even the Jane Fonda workout. Don’t forget wild 2004 electro-exercise hit ‘Call on Me’ by Eric Prydz. And while you’re in that frame of mind, why not bust out your old rollerblades – we swear they're cool again!

Upcycling Insta Follows

@anniesloanhome Painter Annie Sloan shows off the true potential of upcycled furniture.

@thecraftedlife Rachel Mae Smith’s DIY ‘Gram is rocking more colour than your average rainbow.

@joannecondon As well as posting pics of beautiful furniture and craft projects, Joanne hosts online upcycling workshops.

Retro 'Gramming

@neontalk Memorable ‘80s celeb shots, products, ads and posters, and some wild stuff you totally forgot about.

@vhsfruit Provocative and evocative elements of design and style from decades past.

@80s_deco “Because good taste is boring” – interior design that pops.

Retro road-trip

Whether you're heading north or south, or staying central this summer there's plenty of opportunity to stop for a retro-shop-till-you-drop.

A Gypsys Caravan
B Village Green Antiques
C The Emporium of Lost Treasure, Twine Antiques, Louis Who?
D ReLove Clothing
E Menage A Trois, Seaside Vintage
F Natural Attraction Antiques & Treasure
G Paper Bag Princess, The Hanger, Blank & Co, Recycle Boutique
H Mini Moocher, Style Me
I Mr Mod
J Steadfast Books, Chaos Collections, Ferry Antique Centre, Book Barn, Woolston Emporium
K La Voûte, Recycle Boutique, Wear Else
L To Be Continued
M Time & Time Again
N Reinvent Boutique
O Loft Preloved Boutique