You may call them Thrift Stores, Charity Shops, Op Shops, Secondhand shops or whatever charity organisation is selling second hand clothing. Op shopping is a great way to get some cool things in your wardrobe.
But, beware and be careful. There are some seriously cool finds around, but there are some really dodgy things too. Be ultra selective and remember: it is only a bargain if you are actually going to use the item you have bought!
Don’t limit yourself to clothes either… Op shops are a treasure trove of groovy home wares, great toys, books and my favourite -ACCESSORIES! In this post are three scarves I found in Op Shops… I have many many more!
B’s Rules for Op Shopping
- Go with an open mind, do not go looking for particular items, you will just get frustrated. Know that some trips you may come home with nothing and other times you will have to be careful not to buy too much.
- Take your time, bargains and designer items lurk in every rack.
- Don’t be tempted to buy items like jeans that are not your size, colour or style, even if they are Sass & Bide.
- Be as critical looking for the right cut and colour as if you were in a main stream store.
- Look at homewares, patterns, books and toys – you will surprised what people get rid of.
- If you see something you like that will fit your style and personality, buy the item. The chances of it being there in a few hours, or days or a week are slim.
- Smell handbags and shoes, if they smell mouldy or musty – do not buy them.
- Carefully check items for holes and defects, check woolens and woven fabrics.
- If buying shoes, check that they are both in good condition, check the soles and toes – make sure that they are good quality – don’t buy cheap shoes – esp second hand.
- Always wash/clean the items before wearing them.
Just a note: These are not just my rules, they also belong to my friend Shelley, who is a serious lover of OpShopping and is possibly THE best dressed person I know. I could write a blog all about her style and tips – perhaps she should!
Do you Op-Shop?
Where are some good places you know? I think I am addicted… would love to find more further afield!
I don’t! But I hope to Op shop at some stage in the future…
The reason I don’t? Shopping with small people is difficult enough, when I can park them in a trolley, but op-shopping with small people just seems a bit too hard for me at the moment.
And besides, I’m not a ‘linger and look’ shopper at the best of times. I’m a ‘grab it off the rack and try it on at home’ shopper.
I love all the stuff you manage to find, though!
It does take patience and you do have to know what you like. I don’t often take the kids, I snaffle in snatches of time when someone else is looking after the kids.
I have got to show you all the loot we picked up at the Gold Coast! Oh my goodness! So great!
More Op Shop Posts in the pipeline for sure!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
OH my GOSH, love those SCARFS! I am a crazy scarfer, i have a million, but I never shy away from a new one.. that green one is GORGEOUS! hmmmm I havent been in op shops for a while, the smell deters me… Maybe I should pop a peg on it and get in there !!!!
Meagan recently posted..Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland
I love scarves too!
I have a stash of scarves that I am going to be making into cushions for our lounges… Must do that soon actually…
Thanks for stopping by!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
I’m a shocker – have issues dating back to when I was a child and my Nana would dress me in op shop dresses. I bow down to your op shop greatness!
Nikki @ Styling You recently posted..7 ways I’ve been fighting the winter flu
It isn’t for everyone. But, I do love a good bargain.
Op shops aren’t what they used to be, if they are smelly, I walk out – life is just too short.
Thanks for stopping by! Love it!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
I don’t have the patience for it. Its just so much chaos in a confined space, and the current trend of colour grouping drives me crazy. The kids always score something, but I’m yet to find something amazing for myself.
Yes, I don’t do it all the time. I will go maybe once a month or so…
I know what you mean about the chaos. I picked up some picture frames today and it was totally mad in there, one lady grabbed something pretty much out of my hands – there is no need for rudeness! People were also grabbing things off the truck as it was being unloaded – I don’t like greedy people, really… it is just STUFF!
It isn’t for everyone… I just like the thrill of finding something unique and that illusive designer item.
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
I’m not a big fan of op shops – too time consuming to go through all the stuff !!! K goes through stages of op shopping or not. I did shoot in there the day before the GC 10km to get a throw away jumper which I didn’t land up throwing away as A was with me until about 3 mins before the race so I have packed it away for my next race !!!
Have a great week !
Love, hugs and positive energy.
Me
Me recently posted..Menopausal Musings
I love that it takes some time to find just the right thing…
But, you have to have the time to start with right?
They are great when you know what you need and are not too particular about what you get – so to go there for a running jacket is such a great idea! Much better than a garbage bag!
Thanks for commenting lovely!
One of my favourite “I am all by myself” things to do is op shopping. I have found brilliant pieces, and have gotten my fashion conscious 16 yo daughter loving it too.
Great advice.
Vicky recently posted..Second guessing and the sweet spot
We went op shopping on holidays. I don’t normally go with Mr Cool or the kids – they all found some great things too! Cuts into my op-shop budget though!
It is a great way to not look as if you have stepped out of a catalogue…
Thanks for stopping by!
This is great B. I love op shopping. It’s like a treasure hunt!
Kelly recently posted..Tennis Ball Puppet Heads
Thanks lovely Kelly!
Love that you have stopped by!
Mwah!
Too many !! ? Never!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
Hi there, so happy I discovered you blog via Styling you. I have just started a blog last month with the main emphasis being on pieces I find at op shops, it is definitely a work in progress and would love you have to a look when you have the time. I am about to go and have a good look through yours.
Cheers
Melita
Awww, thanks for the lovely comment! I will surely pop over to your blog and have a poke around. Very nice to meet you!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
Sorry it is http://whatihavemetandliked.blogspot.com.au/
Oooh such pretty scarves, can’t wait to see what else you found. I love a good op shop and buy all sorts of things. Today I took my eldest two so was a quicker shop then normal, I love to look around, scavenge through baskets etc. My 11yr old boy was most disgusted when we pulled in saying ‘isn’t vinnies for the less fortunate to shop?’ I had to set him straight!!
Stacey-Lee recently posted..Taming The Nightowl and Becoming a Morning Person
Yes, it is a charity that we are helping out when we shop there. I tell my girls that too.
My mum is a great op-shopper and taught us how to look for quality and cut and not to buy things we won’t use. Funny that I am the only one of my sisters who still goes to the op shops though. I like to think it is because I have more style!!! Haha!
Thanks for popping by.
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
Oh come on B, I could almost move in those Sass n Bides
There are definitely some op shops that are dives but so many have had makeovers and are run by fantastic volunteers that take pride in keeping quality in check. I also love the recycle/ reuse aspect.
Love this post. You are too kind to me though. Love S
Haha! I had to mention those JEANS!
I agree that op shops aren’t what they used to be. We did find some fantastic ones at the Gold Coast.
You have such an eye for detail and potential, I wish I had your sewing skills! I might have to raid your wardrobe for some blog inspiration some time!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, so pleased you did!
B recently posted..Fashion: B’s Rules for Op Shopping
A woman after my own heart! I don’t shop anywhere else Belinda, really. I have my favourite here in the Redlands but I might have to kill you if I tell you which one it is. LOL Maybe we should organise an op shopping trip. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours. LOL I’ve decked out my son’s wardrobe this winter and my daughter’s wardrobe last summer with beautiful little girl’s dresses. Not like those trashy little girl’s clothes you buy in the shops. Sing out of you want to go one day.
Anne xx
Anne @ Domesblissity recently posted..Recipe Roundup # 13
I don’t know if I have the time to do ALL of our wardrobe shopping from the op shops…. I like to look for unique, funky pieces that I can add into my look. I don’t want to look like a catalogue cut out. Plus, I like the thrill of the hunt.
How fun would it be to actually go op shopping together!
I am to telling you where I went shopping at the Gold Coast though, no way!
i went to an op shop… or what i thought was an op shop.. in my local recently. cheap and cheerful bargains it was most certainly not! i almost died, and walked out rather quickly again. Having said that i know there are a few further south from us that i do intend on perusing in a few weekends – will definitely remember your tips
Lyndal recently posted..just another meatless monday
We once popped into an op shop in London and quickly walked out, I picked up a designer bag and it was still £200! They had a rack of fur coats too! But, it was Kensington.
It is worth having another poke around though. You may find you love it!
I found you from Styling you…..I used to op shop heaps but since that UK series Mary Queen Of Shops aired(Lifestyle) op shops think they are boutiques. I found some Sass & Bide jeans for $5 though a few weeks back and some True Religion jeans for $1 (in men’s jeans section). You have reminded me to post about Op Shops on my new bargain blog
RosieRose recently posted..The Shopping list in my head – items of urgency
I haven’t been op shopping for awhile, but when I have, I’ve usually managed to find some great bargains. I once bought a pair of brown leather boots, perfect condition (can’t remember the brand, but they retailed for $200) – for $10. They were a size smaller than I normally wear, but I just had to have them!! I ended up giving them to my s-i-l because the pain wearing them wasn’t worth it!
Debbie recently posted..Hands and Wings
You know I’m an op shopper! I absolutely love it! I like the thrill of the hunt and having things that no one else will have. I’ve got a regular series of blog posts in the pipeline about the treasures I’ve found in my local op shops called In Store Now.
The best way to clean second hand shoes (often they’re in really good nick because someone has bought them and then decided they really don’t fit so they’re hardly worn) is to spray and wipe them, then clean them with baby wipes. Finally, give them a good spray with some anti-tinea spray, some leather polish or a buff with a suede brush, and you’re good to go.
The other good thing about op shopping is that you can offload the things you no longer want in your wardrobe for others to share, and every sale directly benefits a charitable organisation. Love that!
Kim-Marie recently posted..Photo a Day June 2012 : 23-30
Oh you know I luuurve op shopping! I couldn’t possibly justify my kids wardrobes any other way- eeeek!!!
A friend of mine and I organise what we call our ‘days in the country’. We packed a picnic lunch and drove half an hour or so from home to visit 4 rather fun op shops! Stop for lunch.. put the kids back in the pram and look at a couple more before returning to reality and the school pick up- sigh!
Little towns have wonderful finds!!
Really? Days in the country? How does one get an invite to these days? This sounds marvellous!
I would love to op shop in Melbourne or Sydney! How COOL would that be!
Oh, I am writing a post about buying shoes from an op shop soon, will mention those gorgeous blue shoes we tried on… Such a shame neither of us could fit into those!
Im a total addict B and trawl the charity shops several times a week. I’ve bought everything from Fortnum and Mason pudding bowls to designer clothes. I keep meaning to write a post on my finds. Having just decorated my daughters room silver and turquoise I looked around yesterday and came home with a silver heart hanging from a ribbon, a silver framed mirror and some turquoise glass seashells and still came home with change from £10. I love stumbling on the unexpected.
Absolutley I op shop alllllll the time, every week. Ninety percent of my wardrobe is op shopped and vinatge finds. My craft supplies pretty much all come from oppies as well, as I love upcycling crafts. The vast majority of or house is furnished on thrifted finds as well as gifted pieces. So yes, yes, yes I love to op shop, car boot sale, garage sale and wonder markets. It’s pretty much the lifeline and backbone of my blog content…..it’s in my blood always has been seen I was a kid.
Trudie@My Vintage Vow recently posted..Flea Market Finds, fit for a vintage princess…..
Miss 15 & I had the BEST op shop adventure yesterday. She came home with a gorgeous pair of perfectly fitting Supre jeans, and a like-new flanno from the men’s section (apparently flannos are big with her age group!). I scored a tunic top; and 3 shirts for the hubster, all $7 each. They fit beautifully, look brand new – he is very happy with me!
Janet recently posted..Hints for handling borderline personality disorder
Yay! I do love the story of a good bargain! I love that you have popped across to tell me that!
I went opshopping for the first time today and LOVED it. I’m a teen so I was keeping a lookout for fashionable items and I ended up with a pair of GORGEOUS brand new floral shorts worth $70 for only $4 and a supre black dress for a dollar and a cotton on cheetah print cardigan for a dollar. I’m going again tomorrow to different stores. Being young I thought it was gross but now opshops have a big thumbs up from me. I will be doing a haul post tomorrow
I went opshopping for the first time today and LOVED it. I’m a teen so I was keeping a lookout for fashionable items and I ended up with a pair of GORGEOUS brand new floral shorts worth $70 for only $4 and a supre black dress for a dollar and a cotton on cheetah print cardigan for a dollar. I’m going again tomorrow to different stores. Being young I thought it was gross but now opshops have a big thumbs up from me. I will be doing a haul post tomorrow
GREAT tips! You have made me want to Op shop!
Tomorrow I’m going op shopping! Ill take your rules with me
Kate recently posted..W is for . . . Wednesday-Wondering
Excellent! There are so many cool things to be found in op-shops. Now that the kids are back at school I am itching to poke around in my favs…
Thanks for taking the time to comment!