What’s Mine Could Be Yours

Buying new stuff is so overrated. Who wants something fresh from a factory when you can get one with “character” (and suspicious odour even)? Call it secondhand or call it vintage, reusing products is a cheaper, eco-friendlier alternative. Here’s a list of stores around the Klang Valley where you can find these pre-loved items.

Designer Labels
Good news for thrifty fashionistas: there are a number of boutiques around that sell secondhand designer items. A lot of these stores stock high-end brands like Gucci, Prada, Fendi and Chanel. One place to start looking is in the Hartamas area. In Plaza Damas, check out Scoop (scoop.com.my), Luxury Vintage (G-0-7, Plaza Damas; 03-6203 2752) and Attic House (attichouse.com.my). If you have couture garb that you want to sell, these stores will take them in with open arms! Also check out Sew & Soul (sewnsoul.com), Glampot (glampot.blogspot.com) and Milan Classic (milanclassic.net)

Mid-Range
There are tons of shopping blogs that sell secondhand clothing from popular labels like MNG, Topshop and other mall brands. But our top pick is Sell Trade KL (community.livejournal.com/selltrade_kl). More of a community where users can put up their clothes for sale, it acts as a one-stop destination for online buyers. In Bangsar, Show Pink (9-2 Jalan Telawi 2; 03-2282 2280) has a small but trendy collection of pre-loved dresses, skirts and tops. The boutique regularly organises Fashionista’s Secret Meet Up: Junkyard Sales where individuals can hawk their used stuff. Threads Zoo (www.thethreadszoo.blogspot.com) organises similar events too.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink
Buy Sell & Trade (buyselltrade.com.my) in SS15, Subang Jaya will take your junk and pay you for it. It’s a concept similar to Cash Converters (cashconverters-asia.com). These two stores sell everything from electronic goods, vinyl, books, kitchen appliances and jewellery. So, next time you’re thinking of trashing that ancient TV set, think again. It could just be someone else’s treasure.

Text Sarah Chan