The new Pre-loved

Kate Bryant talked about why she buys vintage, and for me I have an almost pathological fear of seeing someone wearing the same thing as me – buying patterns in chain stores instils me with a fear usually associated with Horror movies for those of you not so sartorially scared. We’ve had two new “pre-loved” shops open recently in Wellington, both with entirely different stock in, all within about 5-10 minutes’ walk from each other. Which means my phobia gets to decrease, but my wardrobe still expand.

Most Wanted is the newest Aro Street boutique, opening right next to the delicious Arobake at 81 Aro Street. If you’re in to 80s fashion and retro classics then this is your place. With heaps for both men and women, the best thing is the distinct lack of black! There are so many patterns and bright colours in there, you can’t help but feel a bit warmer in there. It’s no Salvation Army Abba Addiction section though – everything is in good nick, washed, and pretty much the pick of the retro bunch. And like all good local shops, you can tell everything has been picked with care and attention to detail. It’s pretty freakin awesome.

The other end of the spectrum is Eva’s Attic, a lounge space set up above Lavage on Cuba Street. You really do feel like you’re going up to the Attic with the long narrow corridor, red stairs and wooden floors. Once there though, you’ll be greeted with some great volunteers running this charity shop set up by Margaret Doucas and Theresa Gattung (she of the head of Telecom fame). In fact, as I admired a patterned mini skirt the shop assistant informed me that it used to belong to Gattung herself – we’re pretty much bonded by clothing now. Despite the fact that all of the clothes are by designers (Ashley Fogel, Jane Daniels and Doris DuPont amongst others), the prices are pretty awesome – I found an Andrea Moore suit for just $65, if only it was in my size!

No matter what your style, you’ll find something for that will suit both you and your wallet. And the chances of seeing anyone wearing the same thing as you are slimmer than us having a week of sunshine anytime soon…