A Burberry coin purse and a two-piece set: The Mamamia team share their favourite pre-loved finds.

I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with clothes. 

I love to buy them, wear them, dream of them and admire them. And, when it comes to shopping, nothing quite beats the excitement of pre-loved or vintage shopping. The thrill of the hunt and the reward of finding beautiful gems is a feeling like no other. There truly is something magical about knowing the item you’re wearing has its own life and its own story – and it didn’t end up in a landfill!

I grew up going on day trips to different Vinnies stores around Sydney with my school friends to look for secondhand clothes and accessories. We would plan ahead and aim to get to at least three shops in a day. Once there, we would lose ourselves in the hunt, finding unique pieces for ourselves and each other. On one of these day trips, I remember finding a stunning black, full-length gown. It was only $15 and though I had nowhere to wear it at that stage, I just knew I had to have it. I still have the gown and my much younger sister ended up wearing it to her school formal this year! 

Not only was it great to know that I’m still cool enough for my 16-year-old sister to borrow clothes from, but I was so proud to have found a gown of beautiful quality, yet so inexpensive. Now, over 10 years later, Vinnies is still my go-to for this reason. It really is the home of feel-good finds.

Plus, I love the Vinnies mission. Vinnies Queensland raise life-changing funds for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, so you really know you’re purchasing with a purpose.

So, unsurprisingly, I was beyond excited to hear about the Vinnies Finderfest coming to Queensland in February 2023. It’s not just your usual op-shopping dash: it's going to be the pre-loved famous fashion hunt of (according to me) the year. 

There will be celebrity pre-owned fashion, ARIA-winning musician tour wardrobes, and fashion icon pieces to find hidden in local Vinnies stories across Queensland. There’ll be frocks from that little show, The Bachelorette, you may have heard of her? And also over $200,000 worth of prizes (!!!) to be won in-store. 

Like I need this much incentive to go shopping? But, I’ll take it! 

In honour of this brilliant event, I just had to ask my fellow Mamamia team to show us some of their greatest pre-loved finds (and get some intel on who exactly are my Finderfest competition). 

They did not disappoint. 

Mikayla, Senior Podcast Producer

Via Reggio Leather jacket, $20

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“I actually got this leather jacket at Vinnies in 2020 and it was $20. 100 per cent pure leather and lined, it's probably my best thrift in terms of value and I know I'm going to have it forever.”

Full outfit, $55

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“I could go for days but this whole outfit was thrifted! The skirt is vintage David Lawrence, made in Australia and I got it for $15! I find slip skirts so tricky and it's just the perfect fit. The top (unknown brand as no tag!) I got for $10 and the silky purple Portmans overshirt was $30.”

Laura, Family Writer

Adrianna Papell Sequin Jacket, $40

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“Got this cute vintage sequin Adrianna Papell jacket for $40 last year. Love it dressed down with some denim.”

White Closet blouse, $30

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“Love me a few floral blouses too… I got this one for $30.”

Emmeline, Podcast Producer

Hilary Duff T-shirt, $20

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“My Hilary Duff tee is one of my favourite possessions. It’s a tour tee from 2004 and has all the tour dates on the back.” 

Sydney, Marketing Manager

Official Bruce Springsteen Merch T-shirt, $20

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“I have an official Bruce Springsteen merch shirt a thrifted a few years ago! My dad’s a mega fan so it feels special every time I wear it. I think it was $20, such a bargain.”

Maddie, Managing Social Producer

Two Piece Set, $50

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“I got this green set for $50 secondhand!! I’m obsessed with it and always get compliments. I bought it while I was on a girl's trip, and I never seem to have much luck finding secondhand clothes that suit, but saw this in the first store and knew I had to have it. Such a shame though that both pieces had their original tags taken off it, so I don't actually know what the brand was as I'd love to know!”

Talecia, Senior Social Media Producer

Handmade mini tote, $15

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“I picked it up for $15! It’s a handmade vintage felt and denim mini tote and its just… so bizarre and silly. My favourite thing about shopping vintage and secondhand is you can always find something unique and interesting that nobody else might have.

“I am also a massive bag and shoe person so I’m always crawling op shops for those things – I’ve found a genuine bag from Fiorelli, a coin purse from Burberry AND Doc Martens in my size!”

Laura, Social Media Producer

Coca-Cola Graphic T-shirt, $25

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"Obviously I had to include my own faves. Ignore the blurry mirror selfie but how amazing is this vintage graphic tee from Coca-Cola?! It is one of my faves and only cost me $25! I love it because it is fun, pink, and unique."

Diesel Pinstripe blazer, $50

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"I wear this blazer far too often; it is my favourite one EVER! I found it secondhand a few years ago." 

Okay, how stylish is the Mamamia team and how incredible are their pre-loved finds? I love that we have so many different styles, yet all can be found in a single secondhand store. Plus, it was so heartwarming hearing all the stories on how they found their fave pieces, why they are special, and how good they felt finding them.

Shop Vinnies Finderfest in participating Vinnies stores across Queensland on February 23 to 25, 2023.

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.