If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or home this autumn, don’t head online just yet. Instead, consider giving the pre-loved clothing, furniture and knick-knacks of South Australia a second chance at life.
More than 500,000 tonnes of textiles and leather make their way to landfill each year in Australia, amounting to a staggering 23kg per person. By choosing pre-loved threads you can help prevent clothing from ending up in landfill and you’re sure to take home a few trendsetting pieces.
So, whether you’re a vintage connoisseur with a keen eye or an op-shop newbie looking to wave goodbye to fast fashion, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite places in SA to help you deck out your home and wardrobe sustainably.
For the wardrobe
Fox on the Run Vintage
Rundle Street, Adelaide CBD
Venture down this store’s narrow staircase and you’ll find a collection of carefully curated fashion, accessories, artwork and even records. Fox on the Run Vintage is all about “integrating eco-friendly fashion with modern styles”, and even boasts goods from SA makers – making it well worth the steep stair descent.
Adelaide Vintage
Level 2, Myer Centre in Rundle Mall
After a slice of cake with your vintage? This store offers a range of handmade treats, (vegan and gluten-free are available) coffee and, of course, an extensive collection of vintage fashion for both men and women. It’s easy to lose track of time at Adelaide Vintage, but isn’t shopping all about the experience?
Little Ms Waste-Not Vintage
68 Old princes Hwy, Nairne
Not sure what you’re after? The staff here are happy to help – and they know their stuff. This store specialises in locally sourced vintage clothing with a retro flair and is packed full of treasures, so you’re sure to leave with more than a few quirky – but undeniably fashionable – numbers!
The Lion the Witch Vintage
58 Frome St, Adelaide CBD
Owners Marika Andrews and Amy Read spent two years in London selling vintage fashion throughout the UK before deciding to bring their keen eye for fashion to Adelaide, opening the Lion the Witch Vintage in 2016. The store has handpicked fashion from Europe and America and is a must-stop for men and women seeking their next retro-inspired number.
Pineapple Vintage
6 Rosetta St, West Croydon
From the brightly coloured store décor to the statement ’80s prints and everything in between, all things at Pineapple Vintage shout fun. Picking up an entire outfit is easy here – start with a brightly coloured shirt, add a sports jacket, a pre-loved bag and finish the look with some sunglasses.
For the home
Littlest Vintage
117 Main Rd, McLaren Vale
Shopping at Littlest Vintage comes with a noticeable perk, two four-legged companions eager to help you along your pre-loved journey. This McLaren Vale store stocks furniture, clothing and ‘rustic goodness’, all looking to make their way into your hearts, homes and onto your back.
Vintage Carousel
26 Hawker Street, Bowden
With new stock coming in every day and an ever-changing rotation of goods, the Vintage Carousel lives up to its name. With both a storefront and online presence, pieces get snapped up quickly here, so it’s best to visit regularly if you can. Take a gander at Vintage Carousel’s Instagram feed for home inspiration, you will not be disappointed.
Hindmarsh disposals
179 Port Road, Hindmarsh
Look past the non-descript outside and you’ll find a goldmine of secondhand – and new – goods inside. Bring a trailer, park on Chief Street and prepare to sort your way through hundreds of unique homewares. There’s also a warehouse cat named Shadow, if you need another reason to visit.
The Warehouse at Woodside
51a Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
Overflowing with one-off furnishings and vintage goods, this Adelaide Hills gem is the perfect spot for those willing to give pre-loved goods a second chance at life.
Give an iron bath overcome with rust a new use as a garden bed, store your bits and bobs in an industrial workshop cabinet or simply light your home with one-of-a-kind lamps.
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