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WE ARE PROUD TO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SUPPORT THE 2012
AOTEAROA STUDENT PRESS
ASSOCIATION AWARDS AND
WISH ALL CONTENDERS THE
VERY BEST OF LUCK FOR
FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER.
Where is the best place to find a bargain in New Zealand? Op-Shops have been steadily popping up all over
and make great places for students on a budget to shop. But where are the best ones? Each month MASSIVE
will send out two students from two different campuses to find a ‘new’ outfit for less than $25. This month
Rhiannon Josland and Catherine Irving take up the challenge
OP-SHOP CHALLENGE
RHIANNON JOSLAND
Age: 20 Year: Three Degree: Graphic Design, Massey Wellington
You can’t put a price on freedom, but in
this instance, $25 to spend on clothing was
just the key I needed to unlock me from
the dungeons (Massey Wellington slang for
computer labs under the Museum building).
Money in hand, I ran for the hills and some
fresh air, winding up at Kilbirnie’s Opportunity
for Animals.
The great thing about Kilbirnie is that for the
average op-shop goer, it’s a little too much
effort. If you want to walk there you have to
dress in sensible shoes, and that’s a fashion
faux par in itself. Luckily for me it meant no
changing room wait time and clear aisles. I
also didn’t feel the need to snake-eye any
potential item-snatchers.
As much as I am one for animal advocacy and
activist spirit, the best thing about Opportunity
for Animals has got to be the free
bin. As a student, second hand clothing is
good, but free clothing is the pinnacle. From
this I found my shoes, gleaming up at me,
diamonds in the rough.
However now I was faced with tremendous
guilt of not having supported the animal
cause. I made my way to their sister store in
Newtown and brought a horse shirt for $4
to consolidate my animal affections. After
failing to find a cute clutch, I settled on a
crimped red headscarf accessory for $2.
Lastly it was round the corner to the old
Sallies in Newtown where I foraged through,
eventually finding my ¾ pants emblazoned
with zips for $7. An entire outfit for $13. I’m
quietly rather pleased with myself.
It’s true Wellington doesn’t have anything
that compares to Seekers, and you may
find a few extra scratches on your arm post
shopping, but nothing can beat the eclectic
array of clothing that Wellington op shops
seamlessly hoard. Now it’s time to make it up
to my sagging wardrobe rack…
52
Anyone who knows Wanganui may
understand why I was apprehensive doing
this challenge in the holidays. Smelly and
unfashionable clothes anyone? Don’t get me
wrong, I love the little city, with or without
the ‘h’, but it isn’t exactly Cuba St.
Bracing myself and with my mum to my
right, I was about to learn that an ‘op-shop’
was more than a band. My focus was to get a
winter outfit which I could wear to classes. It
was good to have a focus but of course I was
bound to stray.
First stop was St Vincent De Paul’s. First
thing I spotted? Free rack! Minds out of the
gutter, people. Inside the shop, however,
was my first buy. It has nothing to do with
my finished outfit but, hey, didn’t I tell you
I’d stray? A maroon shirt with chiffon sleeves
and a heavily detailed body for a mere $2.
Next we went to The Salvation Army. There
was just so much to choose from but I was
set on this skirt from the very beginning.
The material is a luscious mixture of velvet
and chiffon, making it quite appropriate for
winter. I would probably team it with tights
and get so much wear from it for such little
money – only $5, to be exact.
I then picked up a short knit jumper to match.
At the counter I saw a box of socks. If you’re
thinking this is kind of gross, so was I. At
least you can wash socks, though so I decided
to get these instead of shoes to save my feet
from an unknown foot disease.
The final touches, courtesy of Hospice, are
these gold earrings and an outrageously ‘me’
necklace. At home I added on a chain at the
back to give it some length.
I was so impressed with how much I got for
only $20. Op shops you served me well and I
am so sorry for my past ignorance. I will visit
IT’S SAFER TO BE AT
SUMMER SCHOOL
Get a head-start on Semester One 2013 by
taking up to 60 credits at Summer School.
Classes start 19 November 2012.
MASSEY.AC.NZ/SUMMERSCHOOL
OR CALL 0800 MASSEY (627 739)
ENROL NOW!
you all again soon because I am a changed
woman. I think even my mum is!