Who doesn’t like a trip to Vinnies when an emergency costume, retro or frock up event appears on the calendar?
In an ever changing economy not to mention the ever changing fashions, Vinnies is the ‘go-to’ place for something different, funky, funny, dressy or practical for your wardrobe, and to celebrate the concept of recycling, reusing and reducing waste, the St Vincent de Paul Society is delighted to announce the launch of the first national Dressed By Vinnies Day today, Friday October 26.
The inaugural event encourages all Australians who love a fashionable bargain to visit their local Vinnies Shop, find something they love, wear it on the day and share a photo on social media by using the hashtag #DressedbyVinnies.
Wear it and share it
The theme for Dressed By Vinnies Day 2018 is ‘Wear it and share it!’.
Long-time Vinnies supporter and ambassador, Joe Hildebrand is getting involved today. ’My mother basically raised me in an op-shop, which is where I got my impeccable fashion sense and became the style icon people know and love today.
‘There is absolutely no better way to make great quality clothing affordable and raise vital funding for people in need, and reduce the massive amount of clothing that is wasted every year. It is win, win, win and the best part is you can look good while doing it.’
Retail Development Manager for Vinnies NSW Jacqui Dropulic says that being dressed by Vinnies is easy. ‘This year we are encouraging our loyal customers, and people who may never have shopped at their local Vinnies, to uncover a fantastic fashion item – a dress, a shirt, shoes, or even a whole outfit – and show everyone what they found via social media.
Helping provide assistance to 1.8 million people
Ms Dropulic says that when customers shop at Vinnies, they are also helping provide assistance to 1.8 million men, women and children having a tough time in the local communities. ‘Your dollars fund services like crisis accommodation, youth programs, food vans and migrant and refugee assistance.
‘From Byron Bay to Margaret River and Hobart to Cairns, there are over 650 Vinnies Shops across Australia to choose your Dressed By Vinnies Day outfit from – and we can’t wait to see you wear it and share it!’
Participating in Dressed By Vinnies Day is easy, with a free Dressed By Vinnies Styling Guide with top tips for shopping at Vinnies available for download: https://dressedby.vinnies.org.au
My sartorial splendour has always been due to judicious spending at op shops around the country. From finding an Andrew Peacock-labelled suit in Fyshwick Salvos years ago for a job interview to just schlepping around in my retirement in the Northern Rivers, my clothing bill per annum is probably in single figures. It must piss off the retail outlets!