For Australian fashion expert, Julie Leslie, her expensive style preference had always been just out of reach – Champagne taste on a beer budget.
Her aspirations of owning haute couture luxury became a reality in 2008 when she discovered the world of op-shopping and pre-loved designer stores.
Her penchant for style has led her to create a Perth city tour of charity, consignment and re-selling outlets called Shopportunity Knocks, as well as a popular Instagram where she documents her incredible bargain finds and plans her outfits.
Ms Leslie spoke to FEMAIL about the treasures she has found and how she finds designer clothing for a fraction of the price.
Perth-based Julie Leslie (pictured) runs a city shopping tour of second hand consignment stores and Op-Shops called Shopportunity Knocks, inspired by her penchant for fashion
Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag in bubblegum pink which Ms Leslie picked up for an astounding $20 (RRP $2,000)
In 2016, Ms Leslie set herself a personal challenge to exclusively buy second hand clothing and accessories for 12 months.
But pre-loved fashion has now become cemented into her lifestyle.
‘I can’t remember the last time I bought something new except shoes and underwear. The vast majority of my wardrobe is second hand – everything I’ve bought lasts so well so I really don’t need to shop so often anymore.’
‘The most valuable thing I’ve ever found was the pink Balenciaga handbag I paid $20 for – it must have been put aside by someone who didn’t realize what they had,’ Ms Leslie said of her bubblegum ‘City Bag’ which normally retails at a jaw dropping $2,000.
She has also found designer gems including Versace heels, Gucci shoes, Armani and Sass & Bide leather jackets and even a Celine Phantom Tote bag for a tiny fraction of their original cost.
A pair of authentic Alexander McQueen denim jeans bought for a staggering $7.25 at a pre-loved store
A pair of Carvela mules Ms Leslie found on one of her Op-Shop runs (left) and mint condition Dr Martens (right) which she bought for just $50
Asked about the message she’d like to give to others considering second hand or vintage shopping, Ms Leslie said it comes down to ethics, education and environmental awareness.
‘Aside from finding some amazing designer pieces, the quality is out there in second hand clothes.
‘You can go to Kmart and pick a t-shirt up for $5, but in my opinion it’s about seeing beyond this. Op-Shop finds tend to have stood the test of time because they’re made with top quality fabrics.
‘You need to look at the associated cost of the Kmart buy – today, over two and a half thousand litres of water is used to produce one single ‘fast fashion’ t-shirt. Massive amounts of chemical dye is being pumped into local water systems and textile work is barely paid in Asia and the Middle East.’
What a find: Ms Leslie found her Balenciaga bag in a charity shop, as well as these class Levi 501 jeans and her trendy shirt by Equipment
Ms Leslie said it is simply irresponsible to buy fast fashion and bin things after wearing them once or twice.
‘I don’t like to say I’m against anything, but I’m not a fan of this rapid online retailing trend because of the associated environmental damage – people need to realise we can effect change if we stop to consider what we are spending our money on.
‘It’s about voting with your dollars.’
Ms Leslie said she buys second hand almost 100 per cent of the time, except when it comes to underwear and shoes. Pictured, she is holding a Celine Phantom Tote bag, a chic dress from Talulah, Gucci shoes and an Armani leather jacket – all second hand!
The fashionista said we need to look more deeply into ethical supply chains in order to phase out mindless consumerism.
Ms Leslie encouraged anyone uncomfortable with second hand clothing to research socially minded companies with transparent supply chains.
‘I want to encourage fashion awareness and education to let people know there is an alternative without breaking the bank.’