Recycle Boutique Christchurch

Choosing an outfit each morning (or multiple times per day if that’s you) has to be one of the most uniquely delightful aspects of being human. An outfit can be cute, daring, exotic, vibrant, muted, risque, comfortable, futuristic or any combination thereof. Fashion is fun, creative and inspiring but the glossy pages that feature the season’s latest looks often feel inaccessible. Hefty price tags, coupled with rampant consumerism put a damper on things all too often. 

Recycle Boutique changes all of that. Since 2005, Recycle Boutique has been challenging the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option. 

While the first store was in Auckland and they’ve since expanded all over the country, the concept is still very true to itself. At first glance you’d never guess Recycle Boutique is a second hand shop. The CBD shop’s big windows let in heaps of natural light which illuminate the racks of freshly pressed designer frocks, jackets, pants, shoes and more. 

The spacious layout with bright colour accents, accessory racks and shoe displays make you feel as if you’re at your favourite designer’s brick and mortar store. On the hangers you’ll find numbers from beloved New Zealand brands like Kate Sylvester, Kowtow, Moochi, Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and WORLD - but at a fraction of the price. You’ll also find pieces from around the globe with labels like Levi, Tommy Hilfiger, SolSana, Marc Jacobs, Carhartt, DKNY and The North Face in high supply. You'll also find pieces of vintage dotted around amongst the modern wears. 

But never fear, second hand shopping is not just reserved for hipsters with a knack for finding hidden gems. At Recycle Boutique everything is organised and clearly labeled to make finding your next closet addition a cinch. There’s no fighting through overstuffed clothing racks here. Everything is ordered by item type and size and spacious changing rooms make it easy to try on. You won’t find any duds here, either. Recycle Boutique carefully selects and processes each item they sell to keep quality (and style) on point. If you’re in a rush head directly to the ‘Staff Pick’s’ rack for one off items, rare brands and delicious fabrics. 

It’s no secret that ‘fast fashion’ has some serious drawbacks when it comes to the environment and worker welfare. Buying second hand is a way to combat this and Recycle Boutique makes the option hard to resist. 

Once you’ve found your dream outfit, head home but don’t stop there. Peruse your closet for items you no longer wear but still deserve love. Pop in to Recycle Boutique at any point for some of the easiest, breeziest consigning you’re likely to find. Anywhere. 

Unlike most consignment shops, you don’t need an appointment to sell your items here. Simply drop them off at the register, wait for an email and come pick up your earnings when your clothes sell. Recycle Boutique makes it easy to dress fab, reduce your carbon footprint and save/earn a bit of money all at the same time. Name a better combination. We’ll wait.

If you’re not in the Christchurch CBD be sure to check out Recycle Boutique at The Tannery. Or in Queenstown, Wellington, Auckland, Newmarket, Takapuna, Hamilton, Mount Maunganui or Palmerston North.