14/04/2026
Retirement village fashion swap: 👖
Today, I teamed up with my lovely new friend Michelle, owner of The Rose pop up shop in Levin, (behind the complex) and we held our first sustainable fashion swap at MiLife Rosewood Park Village - Levin
It was a great success.
Our main goal and driver is to keep things out of the landfill.
The level of waste occurring in New Zealand — both food and clothing — is staggering. I've recently learned that quality garments are being discarded on the instructions of certain op shop managers from out of town, rather than being re-donated or passed on to those who truly need them. This flies in the face of New Zealand's clean, green, and sustainable values — and many local businesses are already rallying together to honour our towns needs and do what is right.
Our shoot off wins at a deeper level for the swap initiative, is bringing people together, looking good = feeling good, giving elderly a space to have a downsize and refresh their wardrobes (which can be emotional but also healing), building connections, helps those who are less mobile to feel included, less offshore shopping, creating a fun good vibes day, and getting a new wardrobe!
The residents are planning to wear their new outfits for Friday night drinks, and I love that.
We are excited to see where this venture takes us.
This was our test run, and thanks to MiLife Rosewood Park Village - Levin the staff, and the residents, we had the best day, great feedback and look forward to doing another swap at more villages and in the Community.
Plus, how epic is my new alligator belt!? As an op shop queen and sustainable stylist, today really filled my cup. I went to free for all in Wellington, and saved 4bags of landfill clothing, Foxton where they had $2 fill a bag clothes, and trash palace, $8 fill a bag clothes and ended up with 50+ pieces of quality items to add to the swap.
Brimstone xx
