Shop Locally, Live Sustainably
FILTHY REBENA
Vintage and Quality Thrift Boutique
For seasoned local vintage enthusiasts, Filthy Rebena Vintage is the place to shop. Established in 2015 by Natalie Bradshaw and Darlene Davis, Filthy Rebena sells vintage clothes, high quality thrifts, and accessories from local sustainable fashion designers. The moderately priced boutique is not your typical second-hand shop. The co-owners curate high quality pieces that emulate or reference current runway trends.
Natalie Bradshaw believes that thrift shopping is far more rewarding than buying clothes at the mall. “People realize that they just don't make [clothes] the way they used to,” she says. “We all need to be saving money as well so if you want to look super groovy with not a ton of money there is no better way than thrifting.”
According to Bradshaw, thrifting and upcycling clothing has become trendy in recent years, which has also brought awareness to the philosophy of ethical consumerism. She believes that a fully sustainable wardrobe is possible, through creativity and resourcefulness. “It is a very realistic lifestyle. You can even find upcycled underwear these days from cashmere sweaters… they’re coziest and comfiest knickers for the winter,” she says.
“Even if you think something is no better than a rag, that’s fine, because there is a whole business of supplying 'rags' to [shops] that need them.”
Natalie Bradshaw, Co-owner of Filthy Rebena
Apart from buying sustainable clothing, sustainable fashion relies on giving it away as well. Bradshaw says businesses like Filthy Rebena rely on involvement and generosity from the community to “keep the recycling wheel going.” She urges individuals to donate unwanted clothing and even textiles to thrift stores and upcycling designers. “Even if you think something is no better than a rag, that’s fine, because there is a whole business of supplying 'rags' to [shops] that need them.”
For more information, and to peruse their selection, visit Filthy Rebena Vintage on Instagram, Facebook and their website .