I’m a terrible shopper, especially when it comes to second-hand stores. I walk in and something happens to my brain. I start overthinking and have an immediate meltdown about my personal style.
The issue is that I usually shop from behind the safety of a screen, with upwards of 14 tabs open at once. These tabs can linger in my browser anywhere from three to 23 business days. And more often than not, they get closed before I manage to hit the checkout.
This indecisiveness is in part due to overwhelm – the constant noise of newness as a fashion editor is a hazard of the trade. But mostly it comes down to trying to make conscious purchases, collecting pieces that I can’t stop thinking about now and know I will want to wear long into the future. The capsule wardrobe has me in a bind – till death (or ripped pants) do us part.
But the rise of the mainstream circular fashion economy has allowed me to let my guard down a little and take a few more wardrobe risks, knowing that I can always on-sell to a new owner who will love and care for pieces as much as I do.
Last week, Sydney-based second-hand retailer Uturn launched its first online marketplace with more than 17,000 items. The brand plans to add new items daily, offering Australians the chance to shop pre-loved pieces whenever – and wherever – they want.
“Many Sydneysiders will be familiar with our eight boutiques across the city [but] we saw an exciting opportunity to reach new customers Australia-wide,” Uturn’s managing director Alex Dimou told Broadsheet.
“As a platform made by Australians for Australians, we are able to offer a highly localised experience and some of our most sought-after brands onsite are heritage labels including Oroton, Zimmermann and Scanlan Theodore,” adds Dimou.
Sifting through Uturn’s site, I’ve added pieces from Faithfull, Kowtow and Ganni to my shopping tabs. These are brands I’m familiar with in terms of sizing, fit and quality, which makes me feel more comfortable about taking a chance on a purchase (all sales from Uturn are non-refundable).
“At this time of year, we encourage people to look at pre-loved for occasion dressing, whether it’s a wedding or festive event. Shopping second-hand not only offers unique pieces but supports a more conscious approach, reducing the need to buy items for one-time use.”
To celebrate its launch, Uturn is offering 30 per cent off all its online listings, including items from its sister site The Turn.
