Sharing the love with Kirsta from Mutual Muse
This week we are turning over our blog to the wonderful Kirsta from Mutual Muse!
Mutual Muse is like a grown up version of Use-Ta! Located just down the road in Thornbury, it’s a fabulous second hand boutique for women’s clothing. They focus on local, well made, interesting styles for women. You can take in the clothes you are ready to part with and Mutual Muse will offer a payment in cash or store credit for certain clothes that fit their style.
Kirsta started Mutual Muse because of her own love of shopping second hand. She felt that there was a gap in the Melbourne market, based on what she was looking for. “I am from the US and grew up shopping almost exclusively at similar second hand stores or op shops. I have never enjoyed the experience of going into a large corporate store and spending my money on one singular item of dubious ethical origin. I really felt like there was something missing in the market for women like me; women who love interesting, local fashion but don't have the money to shell out for new things all the time or don't have the time to go sifting through op shops. I also love the thrill of the treasure hunt associated with second hand, you never know what you're going to find.”
Kirsta believes that buying second hand allows you to explore your style through all stages of life. “Our bodies and life situations change so often that dedicating oneself to a particular wardrobe can be restrictive.” She also hopes that her store will inspire people to think about the choices they make whilst out shopping. Whilst it’s not possible for everyone to shop second hand all the time, making a conscious choice to make a small difference can help you become a more responsible consumers.
Her advice to people wanting to make a difference is to start small. “Think of one way you can do something a little more eco-friendly and then pat yourself on the back for gaining a new habit. It might not even be buying second-hand. Maybe you can switch to reusable straws, or using a keep cup, or reusable totes at the grocery store. There are so many ways to participate in a sustainable lifestyle; it's not all or nothing.”
Kirsta’s passion for sustainable fashion and her store is obvious. Clothing is meticulously curated throughout the store for inspirational shopping. You would never know that you were inside a second hand store!
When asked what she loves most about Mutual Muse Kirsta couldn’t pick just one reason! “I love the clothes, I love running a business that promotes a new alternative to the somewhat mindless consumption of buying new things all the time. Also, I love our customers! I get to meet and work with some of the most interesting and thoughtful humans from all kinds of backgrounds.”
You can find Mutual Muse online or if you’re looking for a fun and colour co-ordinated injection into your life, check out their inspirational Instagram feed. If you can't make it in person to browse the treasures, you can also buy online through their new Instagram store.