In the last few months I have been gumming on about op-shoppping {which, after reading ‘A Beach Cottage’ I now wish I had started calling it ‘Thrifting’, sounds so much nicer!}. I thought I might just take some time to tell you why I love op-shopping so much…
I love….
- the thrill of the chase, you never know what you are going to get. You could get some designer jeans or you could get a new plate for the vintage plate collection or you could get nothing. It is all about the chase…
- being able to buy amazing clothes that I would not be able to afford to buy at the RRP…
- buying one amazing item that then reinvents or brings new life in to my wardrobe… I recently bought a grey long cardigan – it has become a staple item in my wardrobe and I wear it with everything from tights to jeans and over dresses… It has been such a huge part of my winter wardrobe, it was $12.
- that the racks are full of singular items…. not racks and racks of the same item just in different shades. Everything is a one-off.
- knowing that there are people out there who buy great stuff and then donate stuff to charity for some unknown reason. I love that although this clears space in their wardrobe, it actually helps quite a few people…
- knowing that the money I spend on these items donated by someone else, is helping someone.
- that if the item I buy isn’t quite right when I get home, there is not so much guilt in putting it back a charity collection bin.
Here is my little Op-Shopping Library of posts so far…
B’s Rules for Buying Op-Shop Shoes
So… are you inspired to pop into your next Thrift Store?
You could be helping someone out – retail therapy never felt so good!
I need to head to my op shops.. though when I go I have no idea what I am looking for let alone what to buy and what not to buy!
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..we’re not well today
Ahhh, yes…it can be daunting… I have been op-shopping for as long as I can remember! My mum taught us what to look for… Very grateful!
I love ‘thrifting’ too! Living in a small town our op shop is exceptionally good, and the selection is fab
Workingwomenaus recently posted..5 life rules for staying grounded in a modern world
Yes… I have heard that about small towns… I am thinking of doing a day trip to some of the smaller towns near me to op shop. Maybe in the holidays…
Ahhhhh, Op Shopping, love it. I have been op shopping since I was pregnant with Cooper, so throughout 2008 I began. I started just for baby clothes, blankets, bibs etc etc, then branched out to baby items so as rocker/bouncer – and purchasing from ebay (local second hand). Most of Cooper’s baby clothes, which Ashton is now wearing was from op shops or ebay or flea markets. I agree with you about the chase. It is also when you find something worth $$$$$, and you know you are only paying a few dollars for it! With regards to children’s clothes – I love finding an item – say kids Esprit shorts and then going to the store and buying a t-shirt to match or then looking at ebay to buy a shirt to match etc. Kids are so easy to buy for as they don’t need to try the outfit on! Shoes are a bit different though – making a cut out template of their foot sure does help!
I branch out to all my local op shops – there are heaps in the Illawarra. And yes, even when I am on holiday I will check out op shops – it’s like walking into and discovering a new world.
I love checking out – kids clothes, kids shoes (I only buy what looks new, although I can pick up shoes and guess if they look like they need a wash, can always throw them in the washing machine!) photo frames, cushions, toys and children’s books (love it when I find a popular picture or board book!), clothes and shoes for myself or even the hubby. I was chuffed the other day to find a Miche Bag cover in a Smith Family store (mum and I both have Miche bags as they are so virstile). And I often find lots of clothing with new tags on them (I gather these are discontinued stock from clothing store which have been donating for a few reasons – either end of season or overstocked). I LOVE OP SHOPPING! Even if I’m not in an op shop I never pay full price for anything. Always buy stuff on sale, what till it’s on sale, layby when the mid year and end of year sales are on or buy clothing cheaps at the end of season for the next season (children clothes that is). So I have for my 3 year old son clothes for him in sizes 5 and 6 and 7 – even though he has just started wearing size 4. Just pack them into storage containers and slide them under the bed. Anyway I could go on and on but will sign off here!
Wow! Erin – you can tell we are family! We do the exact same things! So funny!
I love that you are so thrifty, it is such a good feeling to get quality items at great prices. I also love that I am helping a charity.
My local St Vinnie’s know me and often help me find things – I cannot tell if that is cool or not!
Thanks for commenting, love that you read my blog. Really.
Love to shop in my local op shops…and usually pick up one or 2 bargains every time. My big thing at the moment…kids clothes and toys. Why pay full price when you can find great quality and inexpensive items at the op shop? Recent finds include BIG TONKA truck with long hauler…classic Golden Books for 5c each and a working keyboard for $1. Hours of fun for Master j.
Excellent shopping!
I have only just started looking at toys.. Miss Z has a Baby Born doll, Baby Cool has some cool wire bead puzzle things and Miss A is thrilled to have a doll’s bath…
Thanks for sharing!
I am going on my first op-shopping excursion tomorrow! We have one around the corner from us that I want to have a look at. Fingers crossed I find something fantastic!
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..It’s Not Fair
Ooh – exciting! Can’t wait to hear how you got on!