Op Shops And Vintage Stores Are A Fashion Playground
Op shopping is a fun, economical and environmentally friendly way to shop. You can find many unique, rare and possibly valuable treasures. Many times I have come across garments that are brand new, with the tags still on them or interesting coats and jackets that haven’t been mass produced.
If you are drawn to designer brands but don’t want the pay the designer price then Op shopping is for you.
There can be quite a variance in the Op shop price points, depending on the location. Trendier areas tend to be a bit higher in price than the suburbs or country areas.
Before you start on a shopping spree I would like to share some of my tips and hints, to help you make successful purchases.
- Go through your wardrobe first and make a list of garments and accessories needed to fill the gaps. Without a list you may be tempted to buy a random piece that won’t work with your wardrobe. Then it’s not a bargain.
- Be prepared to rummage around as some op shops and vintage stores are well organized but other are just racks and racks of garments.
- Try garments on and make sure they fit well. If you really love it but the fit isn’t perfect consider having it altered for that perfect look. Bear in mind any alteration cost; if it’s a jacket and is too wide across the shoulders, it will cost you far more than just having a hem taken up.
- Check the washing instructions; if it’s a silk dress its “Dry Clean Only” and you may not want the added cost.
- Look for staining especially around the collar and under arm.
- Turn the garments inside out to check the lining.
- Look closely for tears, pulls and missing buttons as you may have to change the lot.
- Check the zipper
- Remember you are buying ‘as is’.
- Don’t forget to check out the accessories as the vintage pieces will give your outfit an individual look.
- Leather bags may only need treatment with leather conditioner restore to look brand new. Check the inside to make sure its intact and check the zippers and clips.
- Some Op shops have a loyalty card which offers a discount, similar to a coffee card.
- Choose your garments with colours that work together and you’re on your way to building an inexpensive mix and match wardrobe.
- You may be able to trade a bag of garments that aren’t working in your wardrobe for a couple of pieces that you’ve been admiring. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Op shops have sales too! Some stores have a weekly tag sale which is when a certain coloured tag is on sale. Others have a sales rack.
Have fun, but don’t get too carried away with the prices and end up with a heap of clothes you don’t really need. Set yourself a budget and challenge yourself to try a style or colour that you wouldn’t normally buy.
My Recent Op Shop Buys
Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, brand new in the box $ 25.00 a pair
Coloured box pleat skirt, brand new with the tag still on $4.00 . It was a great buy as I can wear it many different ways.
Morrissey Belt in the box $6.00
What Has Been Your Best Buy?
Did you know that I can do personal styling for you shopping only at Op-shops?
