I really do love op-shopping, always have. I do think it could be in my blood as my late Aunty Desley was, I reckon, the country’s CHAMPION 2nd-hand shopper. She could have afforded to shop anywhere she desired and was by no means a tightarse. Instead she was a sensible and frugal woman who chose to maximise her resources and had no tolerance for wastage, or for those who were wasteful. Add to this her super eye for style, nose for a bargain and ability to always be in the right place at the best time and it all bundled together to earn her the top spot as my all time thrift legend!
Thinking of my peeps, I know people at both ends of the hand-me-down spectrum. I’ve friends who eye a garbage bag stuffed with second hand clothes with the precisely the same glee they do gifts under a Christmas tree. They love it!! I’ve also friends who dry-retch at the very thought (shudder) of garments that have been anywhere other than directly from China to Myer to them. Me? Well, I think you will not be surprised to know I love hand-me-downs and I think that a day out scouring the thrift stores is a super adventure indeed.
I do have some tried and tested tips and hints for good op-shopping though …
- you need to be prepared to go regularly – these places get new stock in constantly so there is value in returning
- you will easily be able to rank your local op-shops in a hierarchy of quality BUT don’t dismiss the opportunity to hunt down a terrific find anywhere
- go with a plan – what are you looking for? what do you need? More importantly what DON’T you need?
- be prepared to draw your own line – I’ve certainly got mine and there are just some things that I am not prepared to buy pre-loved. Never. No ifs or buts. You won’t ever find me op-shopping for shoes, swimsuits or hats. Each to their own though.
- don’t be tricked – if a colour, size or a style doesn’t suit you when you are shopping at Myer and paying premium, it still won’t suit you when out shopping at Lifeline paying diddly-squat. Don’t buy it because it’s cheap.
- check everything thoroughly – buttons, zips, seams etc. Take time to be sure that there are no stains (ick) or rips.
- you will always, always feel better about your purchases once they are home and washed
Trust me on that one! - don’t expect to find the latest and trendiest fashions – you’ll be much more likely to pick up retro pieces or classic items
- expect to have a laugh at some of the (very) odd things you are likely to stumble over in your travels!
Yesterday I checked out a couple of stores and snapped up some long-sleeve shirts for the MOTH to wear to work. As his clothes are continually being shredded by rose thorns at the farm, there is no point at all in paying a motza for his work gear. He scored 7 New shirts, prices ranging from $4 to $6.50 (I know, tres extravagant 
), most look near new and with labels including Timberland and Nautica he’ll be the best dressed bloody farmer in coooeee.
Op-shopping is certainly a past-time, like most, which is more enjoyable when in good company – think along the lines of hunting (for a bargain) in a pack! With continued training, I like to think that one day I may even be half as good as Aunty Desley when it comes to bagging the bargains. I guess then, that practice makes perfect 
Where do YOU fit on the pre-loved spectrum? Love or loathe hand-me downs and op-shops? Do you have a thrift store story to share?
