By Zamiwe Phiri
Fashion… such a huge and influential movement. New trends sprout almost weekly, daily even. Clothes aren’t just clothes anymore, prints, textures, designers, seasonal colours and shades are all things to consider when shopping. But not all of us can afford to buy high-end designer pieces every time something new pops up so what then? Do we just lay back and miss out on all these trends and styles??? Err no, there’s one way you could look good without breaking bank or having to rob one! As a student on a budget, I would know. How?
**Drum roll**
THRIFTING!!!
Thrift shops or thrift stands or as we call it here in Zambia, Salaula is the process of looking through second hand articles of clothing from charity shops like the DAPP at very low prices.
Most times I get stopped and asked where I got my dress or blazer from and when I tell them I got it from “salaula” they always get surprised and have to ask me whether I’m being serious or not because some people find it so hard to believe that one can find such amazing pieces from there. So I thought to share a few tips and also some pros and cons of salaula so hopefully we can all be expert thrifters.
Cons:
1. Time consuming: Salaula requires a lot of time and patience so you can look through the clothes to find exactly what it is you want
2. Some items have holes, permanent stains and you might find certain things attached to the clothes that you might be uncomfortable with
3. They’re second hand: This in itself is the major reason most people shy away from salaula. The thought of someone else you don’t know having worn them
4. Having to wash the clothes before you actually wear them
Pros:
1. One of a kind pieces: The probability of finding two of the same piece from salaula is rare to zero so you get to rock a one of a kind item
2. Designer pieces for a steal: You’d be surprised at the number of designer items found at salaula stands and for very low prices. Nothing better than that
3. You could repurpose the items you find. It’s a good source of material to add to an already made outfit.
4. More for less: Because of the affordability of it, you could get more items than you would at a boutique. K100 in a boutique, one skirt, on sale! K100 at salaula, four skirts… six if you’re lucky!
After seeing the pros and cons, you should be able to decide whether or not salaula is or isn’t for you. And if you do decide on giving it a try or if you gave it a try and weren’t able to find something you really liked, here are a few tips to make your thrifting or salaula experience more successful
Helpful tips:
1. Know exactly what it is you’re looking for: Don’t go there without a plan because there are so many things you are bound to get overwhelmed and buy stuff you don’t even need or already have.
2. Plan ahead and practice patience: Finding the right pieces requires going through a lot of clothes and going through different piles on different stands so you can’t just rush through or else you won’t find exactly what it is you’re looking for
3. Wear form fitting clothes: There are no fitting rooms so if you want to try it on it’s good to wear something that allows you to try on clothes well.
4. Inspect the clothes: Don’t just pick up an item and go. Check for holes, stains, missing buttons and other things before you leave with that item
5. Be creative: Just because something doesn’t fit you well doesn’t mean it can’t be worked with. The tailor is your friend! You can alter them to fit your body like a glove. Or you could transform certain pieces and turn them into a completely different outfit.
I recommend it because it’s a great way to look good at a low and affordable price and test your creativity…. Give it a go and no one has to know 😉
Trendition-Z 