I remember falling in love with fashion when I was seven years old.

My mum had taken me shopping, and I spotted a pair of hot pink cowboy boots in the window of one of the stores. It was love at first sight, and I begged my mum to buy them for me.

Despite her saying, "People will need sunglasses to see you when you wear those boots because they’re so bright," I wore those flashy boots to death. Every day for more than two years, I paired those boots with almost every outfit I owned until they literally fell apart.

Since then, I’ve never stopped loving fashion. Fashion is not just the clothes I put on, but it’s how I express my personality. With such a passion for the art of dressing, I noticed as I got older that no matter the price tag, almost all the clothing I bought would fray and look old after only a few wears.

Watch: Mamamia Reviews Non Family Friendly Fashion. Post continues after video.

In a world of fast fashion, I became increasingly aware that much of the imported clothing I was buying in Australia had been made in a sweatshop. These are places where women and children are overworked and underpaid, sometimes working up to 16-hour days for less than 20 cents per day.

I was also surprised to discover that up to 63 per cent of Australia’s clothing is made from plastic-derived and non-biodegradable fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylic. So, concerned about clothing’s effect on the environment and the exploitation of people in sweatshops, seven years ago, I decided that I would always try my best to only buy second-hand.

These clothes were amazingly refreshing and not to mention, beautiful.

Not only did I want to wear clothes that were sustainable and ethically sourced, but I also aimed to look stylish and feel like a million bucks without the environmental impacts – plus, it also never hurt if it had op-shop prices!

When I walk into an op-shop these days I feel a sense of excitement and adventure. Each store is like a treasure hunt, and I’m not sure what I’m going to find. Sometimes it’s nothing, but other times it’s a beautiful 1950s dress or a $10 jumper that I need for winter.

For me, changing my shopping habits helps me feel like I’m taking a stance against the fast-fashion industry and doing something to help save more clothes from going into landfill. Simultaneously, vintage clothing gives me flashes of nostalgia and I feel warm thinking about the history of these garments and the life they’ve lived before me.

I love beautiful and unique clothes, and if you haven’t already – consider joining me and countless others on this thrifting journey to a more sustainable and Grandma Chic future!

Feature Image: Supplied.