Just to refresh ourselves, fast fashion refers to low-cost clothing, produced quickly to meet the latest trends. The unfortunate truth is that rapid, inexpensive production of clothing can't be sustainable. Not only does it generate thousands of tonnes of waste each year, leaving an expansive carbon footprint, it also leaves workers underpaid in unsafe, unkempt environments. That’s enough of a reason to ditch the high street chain stores and give pre-loved clothes a second chance at life.

I’ve always been in awe at how effortlessly Orlane puts together looks, and whenever I inquire as to where she purchased a piece of clothing, she often tells me it's a thrift find. As much as I enjoy thrifting myself, I’ve never had the set of skills to successfully hunt through piles of garments and find the hidden gems. Orlane takes several ethical components into account when making any clothing purchase. This sometimes means investing a little bit more into one item rather than amassing a collection of unethically made, cheaper garments.

“I believe in investing in things I’ll have for a long time, and buying ethically produced clothes made from sustainable materials and natural dyes. I try to buy from places that pay their workers well, this always costs more but it’s worth investing in,” she says.

When it comes to finding where to shop, Orlane often opts for online stores for more variety. She recommends trying out Facebook and Instagram marketplace, alongside Depop, all easily accessible and fit for any budget. She talks about the benefits of joining New Zealand based Facebook groups devoted to pre-loved clothing such as the popular ‘Out with the old, in with the new!’ For those looking for vintage designers, she recommends eBay, Etsy, and TradeMe.

“If I have a specific second-hand Facebook or Instagram seller that sells nice stuff I will put them on notifications so I know when they have posted,” she says.