“Dressed by Vinnies” boosts awareness of op-shop style

VINNIES is calling on Australians to show off their second-hand glam in their first “Dressed by Vinnies” Day.

ROSIE Ball may look a million dollars in these clothes — but in reality she bought them for a pretty penny.

The 23-year-old paid just $25 for a pair of Nine West shoes, a B Collection top, a clutch and a skirt. Normally, they would retail for up to $200.

The bargain was snared at the St Vincent de Paul op-shop at Burleigh. The charity will today launch a new event — “Dressed by Vinnies” day — to raise awareness of buying second-hand items.

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Acting retail operations manager Gail Mountney said Vinnies received plenty of designer items.

“We get lots of jackets, summer dresses, shoes and handbags that come into the store brand new,” she said.

“Often people panic-buy items they don’t really want, or don’t wear it and it goes out of fashion. My favourite item I’ve ever found was a new baby pink Ted Baker bag.”

23-year-old Rosie Ball’s outfit even includes a pair of shoes worth upwards of $100. Picture: Jerad Williams

When staff find big designer labels and expensive items, they Google the product to find out the original price and charge around a third of the value.

“We never know when these items are going to be donated, but if you’re prepared to have a hunt around the shops, you can always find a good bargain,” Ms Mountney said.

Ms Ball said she had never been big on buying secondhand, but was amazed to see what the store had on offer.

“I had no idea I could get clothes like this from Vinnies, I’m a size 12 and find it hard to find things that fit well,” she said.

“I’m not a typical op-shopper, but now I’m so in I want to do it more often, I’ve seen heaps of things I wold definitely buy.”