Mastering the Art of Thrifting

Kia ora koutou,

Let's talk about thrifting. Sure, it's time consuming mahi - but it can be so rewarding and thrilling. Finding a unique piece, enhancing your personal style, saving money AND doing your bit for the environment? What's not to love!

Thrift shopping is pretty much  a treasure hunt. Each opshop is a trove of possibilities, and with patience, you can discover your gold.

But - you can easily waste a whole day - trawling through shabby fast fashion, finding only pieces that don't fit, are of questionable quality, or are just plain boring.

Secrets to successful second hand shopping

1. Seek inspiration before you set out: check the latest collections from your fav brands, or some street style blogs, or what your favourite friend or influencer has been wearing. 
   
2. Know what you're looking for, but stay open-minded: spending less allows you to experiment a little more outside your comfort zone
3. Focus on quality: look for natural fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, linen. check the construction of the garment. not only will it last longer in your wardrobe, but you'll be able to re-sell or donate it when you're tired of it.
   
4. Inspect or ask questions (if thrifting online): check thoroughly for wear and tear. Wear can  add to a garment's character and charm, but you want to be sure you know what you're getting. Here at Archival, every item is vetted for quality and any flaws  described.
5. Mix and match: Rules schmules - we love  an element of surprise. Avoid looking dated by mixing vintage with modern, formal with informal, blue with green .. take our permission to go a little crazy!
6. Try to visit off-peak: supporting the charity shops is great, but some of those opshops can get a bit elbows-out on the weekend, which is not only unrelaxing but also minimises your chances of finding the good stuff without getting a black eye.
7. Or shop online: Alternatively, the online thrift stores like Archival are open 24/7 and you don't even need to get up from your bean bag. Somebody has already done the mahi to find and curate a collection, and they're usually either small wahine run kiwi businesses or online charity shops, so when you find one you like, support them!

Style and Sustainability

Dare to re-wear. Gone is the shame of shopping second hand - now, every thrift find is an opportunity to show your street cred. Choose to wear pieces that represent your inner wahine toa and champion a more ethical and sustainable future.

E whiti ana te rā ki runga i te hunga kākāriki—let your fashion illuminate both your world and others.

Begin your treasure hunt, and who knows what rare find you might stumble upon. Here at Archival our motto is .. BETTER THAN NEW!!!!