Misty Garb adds European flavour to Port Elizabeth

By Julia Holmes

“Being two girls, our favourite pastime is shopping, but we aren’t always able to afford the expensive brands” says Leah van Wyk, founder and owner of Misty Garb, a newly launched online clothing store.

“Offering unique vintage attire to the beautiful South African public”, the idea for Misty Garb sparked from Leah and her business partner’s desire to share their love for finding unique, quality clothing with the Port Elizabeth community. She says: “We noticed that not many people know where to look for cool vintage wear and decided that we could become that medium”.

Misty Garb utilizes social networking sites, including Facebook and Instagram, as a platform to advertise their items, where further arrangements are made through online contact.

Importing items form Europe, Misty Garb ensures that your style remains “one of a kind” throughout all seasons.

Patrons were given a taste of what Misty Garb has on offer at their at their first “Garb Garage” sale, which was hosted in Newton Park on 23 May 2015. Showcasing their exclusive items, as well as their impeccable hosting skills, shoppers were welcomed by wine, music, and even the choice to shop from alternative brands, such as ordering Avon products, and purchasing jewelry from the best online store, check these guys out.

Inspired by the latest trends in European style and streetwear, the trendsetting duo pride themselves to be ‘thrift shop masters’. Commenting on their personal style icon, she says: “the character Jessa from the series Girls would probably be one of our favorites”. Leah says: “We are attempting to bring in a more contemporary style to Port Elizabeth. A style that is mostly found in Europe. Our prices, however, are not European and are more affordable to the stylish Port Elizabethans”.

Future wise, Misty Garb plans to expand their horizons in terms of broadening their target market, as well as showcasing their items at various markets in the Eastern Cape and beyond. Having received an overwhelming response from the PE public thus far, Misty Garb received an impressive 150 likes within 4 days of online operation, and have been “ buying and selling ever since”. Overall, Misty Garb targets free spirted individuals form the age 16 and up, “who aren’t afraid to step outside their fashion comfort zones and start their own trends within our small town” says Leah, who, apart from pursuing her interest in fashion, is a second year Media, Communication and Culture student at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

Soon to be launching a range for men, Leah encourages members of the PE public to “like” on Facebook: Misty Garb and “follow’ on Instagram @mistygarb to receive updates on new items, activity and regular garage sales.

Contact Julia if you would like her to write for you!