I’m a big fan of op shopping and have found some wonderful treasures over the years.
Mostly I check out the clothing, but I’ve also brought home furniture, Tupperware, jigsaws, novels, DVDs, CDs, and my favourite blue/green glassware.
However, when it comes to fashion, I have noticed that there are certain items that you won’t find at the op shop. Or if you do, you are very, very lucky!
What Op Shopping is Great For
In my experience, op shops are a great source of classic items, such as black skirts; tops; jackets, coats and cardigans.
I’ve also bought some great scarves, and had some awesome footwear finds too. A lot of folk grimace at the thought of wearing secondhand shoes – even if they do look new – but a cheap pair of insoles can take care of the “ick” factor if it really bothers you.
More than once I’ve worn a special frock to a wedding or other formal occasion – and if you don’t tell anybody it’s from the op shop, they are none the wiser!
However there are some things that you won’t find at the op shop.
What You Won’t Find at the Op Shop
If you are looking for the latest trends or styles, you are likely to be disappointed – you just won’t find those show pony pieces that will give your wardrobe this season’s “look”.
For example – I have yet to find a kimono jacket when op shopping. It’s just a matter of time before they do start appearing in an op shop near you, but by then they will probably look very much “last season” or even “several seasons ago”.
Nor have I seen printed pants, which I find quite surprising as they have been extremely popular for a couple of years at least.
If I saw a crochet sleeveless vest, or a soft trench, I would snap them up – but again, these are “now” pieces that are yet to filter their way through to the op shops.
I’m not saying it’s impossible – just that you are very, very, lucky if you do find current fashion items while op shopping!
What’s the most recent treasure you’ve brought home from the op shop?
Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.
I’ve been very lucky with my op shop, Janet. I have a “secret” one where I’ve been able to find the most amazing things. They get loads of clothes still with labels on. Most recently I scored a new pair of handpainted Italian leather boots from Venice. I looked them up – 300 euros. I paid $25. I also bought a new Very Very floral mid length jacket that is just beautiful for $8 …
You are lucky! I love my local op shop (Salvos Cleveland) so much I nominated it in the recent op shop awards, and it was the Qld winner – might have shot myself in the foot there! The boots in my pic here were once of my best bargains, Joanne Mercer brand, new the prices are upwards of $200, I got them for $10 🙂
I never seem to find anything at our local op shop 🙁 Although when my kids were younger I did use to buy kids DVDs from there.
Might be time to experiment with different op shops. I had been to many over the years before I found a favourite, although there are times I still come home empty-handed.
My sister has started to really get into op shopping but apart from the odd item she keeps, she resells the items on eBay where she has a store! She sells clothes that she or her kids have outgrown + now the op shop stuff 🙂
I did that when my kids were little! I’d buy expensive brand kids clothes that didn’t fit my own kids (Oshkosh, Pumpkin Patch etc) and would then sell them on Ebay – it was a great way to earn a little pocket money when we were only on one income 🙂
I bought some really, really old Women’s Weeklys from an op shop one day. I had a ball reading them.
Ooo jealous – that would be really cool!
I’ve actually not done any clothes Op Shopping since my Uni days. I’m very plus-sized these days so doubt I’d find anything to fit me. I have however scoured some local shops looking for some interesting wall mirrors or retro clocks. One just has to hope something comes back into style again and get in there before others do!
You might be surprised Deborah – my fave local op shop has a rack just for size 18+ and I’ve seen some great stuff available.
Unfortunately for me, I don’t get too lucky in op shops because of my size…there are rarely ever any finds. But I do wear second hand clothes and my go-to place is ebay. 🙂
I must confess I’ve ebayed a time or two myself!
I never have luck when op shopping. Although I probably don’t try enough. I should give it another go.
I think it’s something you either love or don’t. I was born with the passion for the hunt!
well i finally signed up for “blogloving” and i am loving all the blogs! well, almost all of them lol
Good on you Victoria! I love getting my daily email letting me know about updates from all my favourite blogs 🙂
I read “crochet sleeveless vest” as “crotchless sleeve vest” and wondered what on earth that was! Anyway, go away brain…
I love op shopping too, though I tend to have better luck for furniture than clothing.
Baha, I know how it is – I read a blog this week that spoke about “soothing bums” or at least that’s what I thought – it was actually “soothing buRNs” LOL …