This past weekend, Indigo Closet had the pleasure of participating as a stallholder at the Pop-Up Op Shop Market Day during the Living Smart Festival, hosted at Speers Point Park in Lake Macquarie. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Renewy Living for inviting us to be part of this wonderful event. It was an unforgettable experience where we not only got to showcase our preloved designer clothing collection but also had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for sustainability, fashion, and community.

The Living Smart Festival is an annual event, celebrated for its focus on promoting sustainable living, environmental education, and community well-being. This year’s theme of sustainability was a perfect match for Indigo Closet’s ethos, as we believe in the power of the circular economy and its positive impact on both people and the planet.

Meeting New Faces and Embracing Community

Participating in the Living Smart Festival as a stallholder was an amazing opportunity for us to meet new people and share our love for secondhand designer fashion. We were thrilled to interact with so many friendly festival-goers who, like us, value the importance of thrifting and reusing high-quality clothing.

The Pop-Up Op Shop Market Day attracted a diverse crowd—ranging from seasoned thrifters to newcomers just beginning to explore the world of preloved fashion. It was wonderful to see so many people curious about the sustainable fashion movement, many of whom were excited to learn more about our preloved designer clothing shop at 10 The Boulevarde, Toronto, NSW. We had numerous conversations about the benefits of thrifting, from finding unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to making more eco-conscious wardrobe choices.

For Indigo Closet, it wasn’t just a day of sales—it was a marketing exercise that allowed us to expand our reach, introduce ourselves to new customers, and spread awareness about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. The event also gave us a chance to explain how shopping preloved can make a real difference, both for individual shoppers and for the environment.

The Importance of the Circular Economy

The circular economy was a key theme of the Living Smart Festival, and it’s something we live and breathe at Indigo Closet. But what exactly is the circular economy, and how does it relate to thrifting and sustainable fashion?

In essence, the circular economy is an economic model that emphasizes the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of products to extend their life cycle and minimize waste. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional "linear economy," which follows a "take-make-dispose" model. In a circular economy, items—like the beautiful clothing we sell at Indigo Closet—are kept in circulation for as long as possible, reducing the need for new resources and lowering our collective environmental footprint.

Thrifting plays a significant role in the circular economy, particularly in fashion. The fashion industry is notorious for being one of the most polluting industries globally, contributing to carbon emissions, water waste, and landfill accumulation. By shopping preloved and extending the life of clothing, we can collectively slow down the demand for new, resource-intensive garments, decrease textile waste, and promote a more sustainable, environmentally friendly fashion industry.

At Indigo Closet, we meticulously curate and inspect each item before it hits our shelves. By offering only high-quality, preloved designer clothing from well-known labels like Cue, Sass & Bide, and Aje, we ensure that our customers receive fashion-forward pieces that stand the test of time—pieces that deserve a second (or even third) life. This commitment to the circular economy allows us to do our part in combating the harmful effects of fast fashion, while also giving our customers access to unique, affordable designer items they won’t find anywhere else.

Thrifting as a Fun and Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Choice

One of the most rewarding parts of the Living Smart Festival was seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they discovered a designer gem among our preloved treasures. Thrifting is not just about sustainability—it’s about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of finding something special that tells a story. Each piece of clothing in our collection has had a previous life, and we love seeing them find new homes with customers who will cherish and wear them in new ways.

At Indigo Closet, we believe that fashion should be fun, affordable, and environmentally responsible. Thrifting offers the perfect combination of all three. It’s a lifestyle choice that enables people to express their individuality while making more conscious choices about their wardrobe. And let’s not forget the incredible bargains—our customers love finding high-end designer pieces at a fraction of the original price.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey Towards Sustainability

We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of the Living Smart Festival and to have shared our passion for sustainable fashion with so many new faces. The event not only reinforced the importance of the circular economy but also highlighted the growing desire among the community to live more sustainably—whether that’s through fashion, reducing waste, or making more eco-friendly choices in daily life.

As we move forward, Indigo Closet will continue to champion the principles of the circular economy, offering high-quality preloved designer clothing that allows our customers to look good, feel good, and do good for the environment. If you didn’t have a chance to stop by our stall at the festival, we’d love for you to visit us at our shop in Toronto or get in touch with us for any special pieces you’re looking for.

Once again, a huge thank you to Renewy Living and the Living Smart Festival for including us in this important event. We look forward to participating again and continuing our mission to bring sustainable, stylish, and affordable fashion to the Lake Macquarie community.