ONCE UPON AN OP SHOP Do you always hear about people finding amazing pieces at op-shops and charity stores, but when you actually visit one of those shops you’re overwhelmed by the amount of stock and end up finding nothing? Too many choices can be confusing, and it’s hard to know where to begin when there are so many unique options. Elise from yELLE Styling and Jenny from Creative Style Interior Design give us their top tips for op shopping for you and your home. Recycling is one of the best ways to keep our world sustainable. Why not add charity and humanitarianism into the mix? Op-shops can be a goldmine of unique fashions, furniture, decorative accessories, books and other treasures. All you need for a successful day of thrift store shopping is a little perseverance and some insider know-how, which is why we have compiled this list of tips to help you on your next shopping expedition. 1. Preparation What are the items you need most to complete your outfit or your home? Once you’ve pinpointed the items you’re missing, you can plan your expedition. By taking this step you’ll be sure to target the stores most likely to cater to your needs, making it easier to stick to your action plan and not over spend on impulse purchases. If you’re shopping for furniture, have pictures of the room you’re shopping for, a tape measure, as well as measurements of your existing space. This way, you will never be stuck with a piece that doesn’t match or fit.
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2. Location
• Vintage/retro
When planning an op shop trip, keep in mind that most charity stores are usually stocked by local donations. This means that the stock will reflect and be targeted towards people living and shopping within that area.
Noticed a lot of elderly citizens in your area? You’re guaranteed to find some awesome pieces with a history behind them. A lot of deceased estates will bequeath clothing, furniture and other treasures to their local charity store. On Sydney’s North Shore we have seen furs from 1956, Oroton purses from 1982, flared pants from 1974 and so many more icons of their time. A store in South Sydney yielded a spectacular Victorian lounge setting in perfect condition. Jenny says it’s usually the larger warehouse stores that stock furniture because they have much more space in store than smaller ‘boutique’ op-shops.
• Designer/high quality pieces
Best found in areas with a large concentration of high-end boutiques and stores or a high socio-economic climate. Someone buys the designer dress, wears it to an event... but now everyone has seen it! Into the charity bin it goes. Elise has seen $5000 handbags, $1500 cashmere coats, even a $1000 miniskirt all in one store in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. • Unique/unusual/trend but at op
shop prices! Stores in close proximity to design colleges, as well as areas with a large alternative culture or known for being trend-savvy are ideal. Think ‘hipster’ style. These are places that people shop when chain stores are ‘too mainstream’. You’ll be likely to find home made items as well as a few student and start-up designer creations. WWW.THEDESIGNERCHICKS.COM.AU
3. Time No, you can’t just ‘pop in’ to a thrift store if you want to find a gem. Allow a few spare hours so you won’t be in a rush. The key is to take your time to absorb the store and pay attention. If you try to rush your experience, the sheer volume of stock will overwhelm you and leave you disappointed and uninspired.
