An Interview With Nicole Ottes - the.op.shop.edit

How would you describe your personal style?

Simple and classic

What's your current favorite piece in your closet?

Vintage skinny jeans

Who do you look up to for style inspiration?

Nanin vintage

What inspired you to start shopping sustainably?

I first got into op-shopping’

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Anglicare, Vinnies, Good sammy, Salvos in Belmont, WA. Red cross shop in Bentley, WA

You seem to have thrifted some pretty awesome pieces. Can you share some tips?

Shop every rack. My fav pieces have come from the plus size and mens rack.

What challenges do you think ethical shoppers face?

Stigmatization around 2nd hand clothing.

Although we think sustainable fashion is a great practice, there is still a stigma attached to buying secondhand clothes and many still find it 'uncool'. What's your take on that?

I did struggle with this when I first started op shopping. I wouldn't tell people where I bought my clothes and I would only shop good brands I knew. Now I feel more confident telling people where I op shop and even giving them tips too! I've also found people through ig that are supportive of 2nd hand fashion.

What would be your advice to someone who wants to become a more responsible fashion shopper?

Start op shopping but limit initial expectations, be open minded and try things on even if sizing doesn't seem right at first glance.

Follow Nicole on Instagram for awesome style inspos.