MONOFEATURES

Editor’s Picks: The Red Shelf Namibia

So I went thrift shopping and loved it.

Late last year on a short trip to Swakopmund, my friend and I stopped by The Red Shelf.

I had heard about the shop before but never got the chance to pay it a visit in Windhoek.

We got to the shop and I fell in love. It had the cutest things, perfect for a minimalist dresser like myself.  From vintage plaid blazers to vintage culottes and denims, I was in a happy place to say the least. The ambiance of the shop was also one I could get used to. Friendly, cozy and quirky. My kind of spaces.

I happily came out with a grey T-shirt (of the softest fabric) and two Palazzo pants. (As pictured below)

Shot by GRADIVA Photography

When I heard the Windhoek store had moved to the CBD, I was over the moon,  because that meant I could easily pop in. And pop in I did.

I found it just as cute as the one in Swakopmund, so much that I picked out a few things I loved just so I could share them with you guys.

My top 5 items at The Red Shelf (Windhoek)

1.  A Vintage Plaid Blazer

I’m a sucker for an over-sized everything.  I am a jeans and T-shirt type of girl, throwing on a blazer like this makes me look a tad bit cooler.  Lol

2. Wide-Legged Official Pants

I found an entire rack of wide-legged trousers. Great for the office, perfect with a crop top too. You can never have enough of these.

3. Polka Dot Midi Skirt

I don’t wear enough skirts. I’d like to change that this year, thank goodness The Red Shelf stocks vintage A-Line skirts. This one comes in the thickest softest fabric too.

 

4.  Guy’s stuff.

They have stuff for men and kids as well. How cool are these tasseled loafers?

 

5.  Hi I’m cool, Earrings.

How cute are these? The Red Shelf has a range of accessories. My favorites were these bicycle silver pair.

I sat down with the lovely owner, Sekai Hartz and had a little chat about how it all started.

How long has The Red Shelf been open?

The Red Shelf has been open since November 2016.  It started in a room at a friend’s business with only one rail and a red shelf.  The idea was to do a kids thrift store but it evolved to these amazing stores

Where do you source the merchandise from?

From everywhrere!  We love treasure hunting.  We buy items locally, during our travels to different countries and through various networks.  We also get donations from friends.  However, we are very discerning about what we buy or acquire.  We have our favorite brands but we will buy anything of reliable quality and in good condition.

 

What is your vision for the stores?

Our vision is that The Red Shelf becomes a great thrift store to buy high quality clothing and accessories.  We always wanted to have a place that was inclusive of everyone – all demographics.  A place where one can buy everyday-wear, trendy and stylish wear as well as quirky items that are tailored for a particular look.
We also envision that that each shop space becomes a cozy, clean, safe and warm place to shop. While we are not overly into the look, it was important to us that the appearance of our shops were inviting and shopper friendly.

What can we expect from the store this year?

A lot of fun gatherings, we are open to anything at the moment, its ridiculous, but exciting.  We can expect more menswear; it has been such a challenge to get men’s items but we have found a way.  One of our plans is to improve the quality, quantity and variety of our merchandise.  We have started going out to markets and  more so that’s exciting.

Have you been to the store yet?

Windhoek, it’s on Fidel Castro, opposite The College of the Arts.
Swakopmunders you can find it at the Bonus Markplatz on Sam Nujoma Street.
Thank me later.
Yours in fashion
Betty Sibeso | @bettysibeso
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