In terms of ethical living, op shopping ticks a lot of boxes. While trawling through racks for your vintage treasures, you are also recycling and contributing to charity.
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And of course, every now and then you stumble across one of those beautifully made items of clothing from yesteryear; a hat, coat, frock or pair of boots that would cost big bucks in Fitzroy or Newtown.
A first edition of your favourite book, a funky piece of furniture and pretty tea cups and crockery. And let’s face it, none of us can have too many pretty tea cups.
Busy newspaper editor Ainsleigh Sheridan said she finds op shopping relaxing.
“It’s more than the thrill of the hunt,” she said. “Usually when you’re op shopping you’re not in a rush, so you can really take your time and have a good browse.”
It’s also a fun way to build collections, sometimes over many years. Mine at the moment include coloured drinking glasses and the orange Fire King table wear from the 1960s.
In need of a little retail therapy but don’t have the money to throw around? Take a look at how the Illawarra celebrated Op Shop Week.
In the Southern Highlands, vintage threads and unbelievable bargains go hand in hand at op shops.
We asked some of our staff and friends to show us their top op shop buys and to give us some tips for a successful day’s op shop-hopping.
Top ten tips:
- Op shop in wealthy towns to find top brands
- Calendar T Towels make fantastic birthday presents
- Check the manchester section – you can find quality linen
- Check coat pockets for money
- Don’t hesitate – go with your gut. If you like it, buy it.
- Check CD case to make sure the CD is in there
- Research brands
- If it’s a brand you wouldn’t buy new, don’t buy it second hand
- Double check for any stains
- Save big dollars by buying wetsuits and snow gear for fast growing children
