Pre-loved fashion with The Red Shelf
Remember the time when you’d feel less than because your mom would buy you clothes from the second hand market? Or was that just me?
I wish my mom was alive today so that I could apologize to her, because I now realize that she clearly knew what she was doing.
At varsity, I learned the business of fashion, the brands and the different avenues one could practice their fashion knowledge, but only in the last five years or so did I learn about the impact of fashion to the environment.
Blouse from The Red Shelf
In the recent past years I have been exposed to the bad side of the industry. Fast fashion, exploitation of fashion labour, the dangers and impacts of fashion production to the environment.
Sustainable fashion has become a grand topic, everyone is talking about it, (some) brands are looking into it, others practicing it. I love following accounts like @fash_rev, @thesustainablefashionforum and even my friend, @disneyandreas who speaks a lot on the topic from time to time.
It took me years to shed off the shame of buying second hand clothing. 10 years ago I probably wouldn’t buy anything from a second hand market but NOW, that’s where I opt to buy some of my favourite staple pieces like my blazers and official trousers.
The only time I shop at retail stores now is when I’m looking for something particular and in season. My favorite places to shop are pre-loved stores like my friend’s online swop shop, other vintage online boutiques but my all time favorite will always be The Red Shelf because they contributed to my change of heart on pre-owned clothing.
Since launching their first store on Fidel Castro Street, I’ve been such a fan. When I’m in Swakopmund, I make it a point to stop by at their store there. It’s always a good idea, because I always find something cute.
From time to time as I add more stuff to my closet I make sure to purge too, send some stuff as donations and others for resell.
Pre-loved fashion has allowed me to live my best minimal fashion life, but it has also allowed me to be more conscious about how I consume fashion and most importantly how I contribute to the environment.
A lot of the stuff I wear now appear to be exclusive because they are one of a kind and that is another reason why I love about thrifting. There are no two items alike.
Pants from The Red Shelf
Why should you consider shopping Pre-Loved Fashion?
Reduces your environmental impact.
Doesn't promote exploitative work conditions.
Saves you hundreds of dollars.
Your unique vintage style looks more authentic.
You support a small business
Daniel Hechter Pants from The Red Shelf
I am so excited to announce that I have collaborated with The Red Shelf for the month of September to bring you some fun pre-loved fashion content. When I asked Sekai Hartz (Owner of The Red Shelf) about how the store has contributed to her life and style she had this to say:
Having the shop has improved my life financially, it also allows me to meet a lot of interesting people. I had to learn some patience and embrace every kind of style, especially when I’m sourcing merch for the shops. I learned to narrow it down to basics and to take a Marie Kondo approach - ‘drop it if it doesn’t spark joy’ I love high quality fabrics, materials, designs, as well as well tailored garments. The reason why I’m partial to designer and premium brands is because they fulfil all those qualities.
Having the shops has really changed my personal style in a profound way. I am, more open to colours, prints and bold abstracts. When I curate, I see, touch and feel items that really excite me, I’m also inspired by social media posts, especially by people from Namibia and other African countries. Without the business, I probably would have been thrust into a totally different sphere of influence.
The Red Shelf is a thrift store of curated pre-loved items. You can find clothes, accessories, shoes, books, you name it. They are situated at the Craft Centre in town (Tal street) and in Swakopmund. You should also follow them on Instagram @theredshelfnamibia to stay updated on what’s available in store.
They also launched an online store, www.theredshelf.com, on which you can shop from the comfort of your home, how perfect? So perfect that I even have a discount code for you guys, if you shop online. Whoop whoop! 💃🏽💃🏽
The code is BETTY20 and you get 20% off! Valid from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020.
Happy Shopping! :-)
Do you love thrifting as much as I do? Comment below.
