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Fashion
Meet Joie: The Ex-Fashion Insider Making Style More Sustainable
Welcome to the second instalment in our customer profile series, where we catch up with some of our fabulous customers who embody the spirit of sustainable style. We’re calling it Friends of Vinnies Finds. In this article we introduce Joie, a woman with a fascinating fashion story and effortlessly great style. Joie spent a decade working in the fashion industry, surrounded by luxury items and designer labels. But in one startling moment, standing in a boutique holding a $2000 skirt she was responsible for selling, an epiphany struck. Joie realised how disconnected she felt from the world she was working in — and how starkly it conflicted with her values. The experience provided clarity and sparked a profound shift, prompting Joie to walk away from the fashion industry and pursue a professional life dedicated to helping others. Read on to hear how Joie’s passion for people, community, and conscious consumerism continues through her work — and her wardrobe — at Vinnies. Tell us a bit about yourself, Joie… I am a community worker, a cultural enthusiast and most importantly, a dog mum to my boy, Sue (named after the Johnny Cash song). I work at an inner-city community hub that provides support, education, and social connection for people experiencing homelessness, isolation, and hardship. A big part of my work and something I really enjoy is creating a welcoming space where people can access essential supports, build skills, and feel a sense of belonging. And how do we know you, friend? I work for Vinnies! The community hub where I am based is Vinnies’ flagship Inclusion service. I’ve always appreciated the connection between retail and our service – because whenever someone buys something from a Vinnies shop (including me!), the proceeds from that sale go back into helping us provide quality services to the community, so it’s truly ethical shopping. Thanks for highlighting that connection. And can you tell us about your favourite Vinnies find? There are so many great finds, but I think my favourite has to be a pair of Timberland boots! I had wanted a pair for so long but could never quite save up enough to buy them brand new. Then, I found the perfect pair at Vinnies Brookvale for $20 – they were basically brand new and my size. I love them! So good. What is it you love about op-shopping? I love that every purchase supports people in need. Shopping at Vinnies isn’t just about finding something unique or affordable (though I love that!); it’s about contributing to a bigger purpose. I also appreciate the focus on sustainability—giving pre-loved items a new life instead of sending them to landfill. Where do you like to go op-shopping? Newtown Vinnies is my go-to. I can walk there from my house. It always has a great mix of clothes. Lastly, how do you feel about Vinnies evolving into an online retailer? I think it’s a great step forward. Making second-hand shopping more accessible to people across NSW means more support for Vinnies and a bigger impact on sustainability. It’s exciting to see Vinnies adapting to new ways of connecting with customers. I can’t wait to load up my cart!
Fashion
Meet Fede: Disability Advocate, Vintage Lover, Vinnies Icon
Welcome to our new series, Friends of Vinnies Finds, where we profile our beautiful customers! Over the series, we’ll introduce you to some of our most creative and passionate friends, both new and old, to discuss their love of op-shopping and their ideas about sustainable style. Federica (Fede) kicks us off in colourful, unmissable style. Hailing from Latina, Italy, this vibrant young woman is a powerful advocate for people with disability and people from diverse communities. Fede is also a champion for eco-fashion with a knack for fusing futuristic, modern tailoring with classic, proud retro pieces to create an effervescent style that is 100% bold and 100% her own. Tell us a little about yourself, Fede… My name is Federica. I am Italian but moved to Australia following an ACTUAL dream, 12 years ago. See? Sleeping is good for you! Sydney is my home now. And how do we know each other? I work for Vinnies in the Disability and Inclusion Team. I am part of the Vinnies Rainbow Pride Network and the People with Disability Employee Network. Can you tell us about your favourite Vinnies find? So many to choose from! The one I am most drawn to is a painting ($20) of three people, one of whom has a chicken head. They are sitting around a table. I love looking at the scene and making up scenarios of what is going on. My current theory is that they have pulled off a bank heist and the chicken person is the architect of the plan. Amazing. What is it you love about op-shopping? I absolutely love the variety and uniqueness of objects and of clothes. Everything is a little treasure waiting to be found. It also makes me feel less guilty about consuming, as second-hand is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to shop. So true. What are your go-to Vinnies shops? My favourite two shops are Campsie and Rozelle. Very different styles, sizes, looks. So many possibilities! Great tips, Fede. Lastly, how do you feel about Vinnies evolving into online shopping? I cannot wait. My life is busy, and I am constantly on the go. Having the option of being able to op-shop online cuts down on travel, and makes shopping more accessible for everyone, anytime. I am very excited, bring it on!
Donations
These Designer Donations Just Dropped on Vinnies Finds
When we say “pre-loved with purpose,” we mean it—and our recent collab with Canterbury League Club proves just how powerful your donations can be. For the month of May, the crew at @canterburyleaguesclub hosted a Vinnies donation drive, encouraging their members and visitors to drop off their best gently used clothing and accessories. And wow—did they deliver. The donations came pouring in, filling our “Bring Your Best” bin with incredible fashion finds that were anything but basic. $16,000 worth of generosity 💙 At the end of the month, we tallied up the value of the donations—and it came to a whopping $16,000 worth of quality pre-loved pieces. Most of those gems have landed on the racks of our Vinnies Bankstown shop, where local thrifters can score unique finds and support our mission at the same time. The money raised from those sales helps fund vital Vinnies services—like food relief, crisis support, help for people experiencing homelessness, and programs for families doing it tough in the cost-of-living crisis. Say hello to our hero pieces 👋 Among the donations were two show-stopping pieces that immediately caught our eye—and our camera lens. These beauties are so good, we’ve given them the spotlight on our Vinnies online store: ✨ A Bally single-breasted leather coat in flawless condition (valued over $8000!)✨ A Jacquemus ‘The Small Soli Basket’ tote, made from hand-woven palm leaf with the signature Jacquemus charm (sells for $850 new) Yep, you read that right. A pre-loved designer coat and pre-loved designer handbag, now up for grabs on our site. A big shoutout 💫 We want to send a massive thanks to the incredible team at Canterbury League Club for making the donation drive happen—and to every single person who contributed. Whether you donated something designer or simply something you no longer wear, you’ve helped make a real impact. Shop the Look 🛍️ We couldn’t resist styling these designer donations into a full Vinnies Finds outfit—just to show how chic charitable fashion can be. Here’s the look we pulled together from a mix of donation drive pieces and handpicked online faves: 👢 Bally Single-Breasted Black Leather Coat – timeless, tailored, and totally boss👜 Jacquemus ‘The Small Soli Basket’ Tote – that effortless French-girl energy👟 Lucky Step Glitter Sneakers (Size 7) – comfy, sparkly, and a little bit loud You can shop all of these items now at vinniesfinds.com.au – but fair warning, once they’re gone, they’re gone. No restocks in secondhand! Thanks again to everyone who donated, supported, or spread the word. You helped turn closet clean-outs into real community change. That’s what we call fashion that feels good. 💙
Fashion
Vintage Vibes & Statement Styles: Pre-loved handbags under $50
Explore our top picks for handbags under $50 and see why Vinnies Finds is your go-to for sustainable style, vintage flair, and one-of-a-kind accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
Fashion
Sustainability
Look Good, Feel Great, Save the Planet: Take the #PrelovedPledge This World Environment Day
This World Environment Day, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re wearing it. The #PrelovedPledge is your chance to make a difference for both the planet and your wallet.
News
Vinnies Finds has officially dropped — and we celebrated in style
Vinnies Finds is live and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our pre-loved fashion game online! That’s right — the ultimate thrifting destination has gone digital, and now you can score all the vintage vibes, hidden gems, and sustainable style you love from the comfort of your couch.
