#SECONDHANDSEPTEMBER INTERVIEW - CATHY DUNN
What started your passion for shopping secondhand?
As a schoolgirl punk rocker, I found the best places to find unconventional clothing were secondhand shops and jumble sales.
What do you love about heading off on a treasure hunting mission?
The anticipation! It's always so unpredictable what you'll find.
What are some of your favourite pieces that you love discovering when secondhand shopping?
1970s patterned shirts, vintage band tees, and anything tartan.
What's your best ever secondhand score?
On a birthday road trip with my bestie I found a pristine pair of genuine Givenchy shoes in my size! Black leather lace-ups studded with sparkles. I died.
As a schoolgirl punk rocker, I found the best places to find unconventional clothing were secondhand shops and jumble sales.
What do you love about heading off on a treasure hunting mission?
The anticipation! It's always so unpredictable what you'll find.
What are some of your favourite pieces that you love discovering when secondhand shopping?
1970s patterned shirts, vintage band tees, and anything tartan.
What's your best ever secondhand score?
On a birthday road trip with my bestie I found a pristine pair of genuine Givenchy shoes in my size! Black leather lace-ups studded with sparkles. I died.
What are your top three tips for shopping secondhand?
1. Keep an open mind
2. Take snacks
3. Don't be shy about fossicking in dusty corners
What's the one item that got away? The one you missed out on that's haunted you ever since!
I honestly can't remember so can't have haunted me for long! I used to buy and sell a bit on TradeMe under the name camanda and there are a couple of things I regret parting with.
What changes have you seen in stores and stock over your time as a secondhand shopper and what kind of secondhand store would you love to see in the future?
It's become completely acceptable to wear preloved clothing. There used to be a sort of stigma about it as though you might catch a disease from a secondhand skirt!
Would you be willing to share some of your favourite secondhand spots?
I don't have a favourite, I love them all!
What appeals to you about secondhand rather than new goods?
They're unique, affordable and sustainable
1. Keep an open mind
2. Take snacks
3. Don't be shy about fossicking in dusty corners
What's the one item that got away? The one you missed out on that's haunted you ever since!
I honestly can't remember so can't have haunted me for long! I used to buy and sell a bit on TradeMe under the name camanda and there are a couple of things I regret parting with.
What changes have you seen in stores and stock over your time as a secondhand shopper and what kind of secondhand store would you love to see in the future?
It's become completely acceptable to wear preloved clothing. There used to be a sort of stigma about it as though you might catch a disease from a secondhand skirt!
Would you be willing to share some of your favourite secondhand spots?
I don't have a favourite, I love them all!
What appeals to you about secondhand rather than new goods?
They're unique, affordable and sustainable
Overconsumption and mass production of new goods is a huge global issue, resulting in overflowing landfills, environmental degradation and modern slavery. Shopping secondhand is welcome alternative to this 'buy brand new then throwaway' culture, what are your thoughts on this issue?
The true cost of clothing isn't just the exchange of money for goods. We have to consider the long term impact of our choices as consumers.
Unfortunately prices of new goods are now so low, they're often cheaper that secondhand. Why is it better for people invest in vintage/secondhand rather than buying new?
See above - it's better for the planet and it's also a great way to play with different looks and discover your own style rather than relying on current trends.
The true cost of clothing isn't just the exchange of money for goods. We have to consider the long term impact of our choices as consumers.
Unfortunately prices of new goods are now so low, they're often cheaper that secondhand. Why is it better for people invest in vintage/secondhand rather than buying new?
See above - it's better for the planet and it's also a great way to play with different looks and discover your own style rather than relying on current trends.
Cathy Dunn is a finder, maker, collagist, collector, archivist, introvert, independent woman and the creator of Penelope Tree Vintage & Craft
You can find her online via Instagram @penelopetreevtg and Facebook at Penelope Tree Vintage & Craft
Keen to find your own vintage treasure? CLICK HERE to order a pre-sale copy of Collector's Anonymous, your handy glovebox sized guide that lists over 1500 antique, secondhand and charity stores around Aotearoa!
You can find her online via Instagram @penelopetreevtg and Facebook at Penelope Tree Vintage & Craft
Keen to find your own vintage treasure? CLICK HERE to order a pre-sale copy of Collector's Anonymous, your handy glovebox sized guide that lists over 1500 antique, secondhand and charity stores around Aotearoa!
