'I shop for a living.' Leigh Campbell's guide to sustainable fashion finds in Sydney.

Thanks to our brand partner, LEXUS

I shop for a living.

Well, sort of. 

That statement might be debatable (mainly with my accountant), but a large part of my job is scouting fashion trends and discovering up-and-coming retail spots. I also take clients on styling sessions to refresh their wardrobes.

Basically, I know my way around Sydney when it comes to shopping. And recently, I've had more requests for secondhand spots, consignment recommendations and a more considered approach to fashion in general, which I'm delighted about. 

So, let me craft a day out in Sydney for you, if that sounds like something you'd like to explore. 

Getting around.

As with anything worth the effort, it's not easy.

Annoyingly, my favourite spots in Sydney with a lower-impact fashion focus are a bit all over the place — not in one easy-peasy location. That means it's best to drive.

While doing the research for this article, I was driving around the new Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid.

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It was perfect timing because this car is designed to offer the best of both worlds: electric power for short trips around the city and a seamless switch to its efficient hybrid engine for longer journeys.

That flexibility meant I could head anywhere without a second thought. Whether it was a quick trip to the shops or a full day exploring outlet centres and hidden gems in Sydney's outer suburbs, I never had to worry about the driving range.

Lexus's long-standing innovation in hybrid luxury SUVs strikes the perfect balance between performance and comfort. The intuitive features and classy finishes actually make driving in the city… dare I say it, enjoyable.

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Inside blends old-school glamour with modern touches — soft leather seats like your favourite luxury handbag, plus the latest tech. Highlights for me include the infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and the "Hey Lexus" voice control, which genuinely acts like your personal assistant.

Even navigating the city's tight parking spots felt effortless thanks to its clever driver-assist features — a small but very welcome luxury.

Clever consignment.

Just a few years ago you were hard-pressed to find more than a few luxury secondhand consignment stores. Now, plenty of small businesses offer designer brands that have been lovingly cared for by their first owners and are ready to find a new home.

My favourite luxury re-sellers are scattered around Sydney. Trading In Style is fantastic, with an impressive collection of clothing, shoes and bags in both their Randwick and Bondi locations. 

What We Wore is a consignment boutique based in Mosman. They sell luxury secondhand (think: Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton) but also what I would call second tier designer — your brands like Bec and Bridge and Camilla and Marc. The team is so lovely — I've even sold some of my wardrobe with them.

Luxe It Fwd is located in Sydney's CBD, which is handy if you want to pop into other places. They offer a guarantee of authenticity and have an excellent selection of beautiful watches.

Sifting and thrifting.

People laugh when I say thrift shopping is my hobby, but it's true.

Nothing beats the feeling of an amazing fashion find that's one-off (and more affordable than retail). Sure, you have to sift to find the gold, but the secondhand side of it and the thrill of the hunt makes it worth it.

Uturn is popular, with secondhand stores located in Marrickville, Bondi Junction, Rozelle, Newtown, Bondi Beach and Surry Hills. Prices are reasonable, but whenever I have time, I hit the road and head further afield to their outlet locations in Riverwood or Campbelltown — because that's where the real bargains are buried.

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Have an outlet.

I've never met an outlet centre I didn't like. While the stores are still technically retail, the prices are reduced. Just remember to stay logical and not get carried away simply because everything's on sale.

Ask yourself: Do I really need this, and would I buy it at full price — or is it just the discount that's tempting me?

I've been visiting Birkenhead Point in Drummoyne for many years. My favourite stores there are Style Runner, Sheike, New Balance and Seed Heritage (great for kids' clothes and timeless items like knits).

More recently, I've been taking clients to Rosebery Engine Yards. It's a relatively new location with an impressive bunch of designer brand outlets all in one spot. My corporate clients love to head into the Scanlan Theodore and Camilla and Marc stores, while I always make a point to stop by Aje, Bassike and Oroton.

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Careful cleaning.

It sounds obvious, but a huge part of taking a more considered approach to fashion is caring for the clothes we already own. When our existing wardrobe is in good nick, we're more likely to love those items for longer and be able to sell pieces secondhand.

I've honed my skills when it comes to handwashing at home, but there are certain items (like tailoring and structured blazers) that need to be dry-cleaned. With good intentions, I have these pieces in a bag in my boot ready to be dropped off, but often run out of time.

That is until I decided to map out the best drive-through dry cleaners. Game changer! Lawrence Dry Cleaners has a great one in Waterloo, and Centennial Dry Cleaners in Lilyfield are also excellent.

Ready to experience the Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid for yourself? Book a test drive on their website.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Desire is more than the intangible. It's a vehicle designed by the pioneers of hybrid luxury SUVs. The Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid has been crafted for optimal flexibility, so you can use electric for short trips and an efficient hybrid engine for longer ones. There's no compromise on performance or luxury either, with features and finishes that elevate every drive. In the Lexus NX 450h+, every desire makes perfect sense.