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. 2. Location

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. • 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. • Vintage/retro 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.

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.

4. Value

Know the (approximate) value of the items you have selected. On average, most items will be priced at approximately 10-30per cent of its original value. If you understand the going rate for chain stores, you will know that paying $100 for a second-hand Ikea console is excessive. On the other hand, a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes for $100 is a bargain! You may find the occasional flaw such as a frayed seam, a small stain, a chip or scratch, etc. (they are predominantly second-hand after all). Often the staff is already aware of the flaw and the item has been priced accordingly... but it doesn’t hurt to say something; you could end up with a couple of dollars off!

5. Open-Mind

Elise can’t stress enough the importance of ignoring the size label when it comes to clothing! It is just a number after all. With huge size variations between stores, and decades of these variations to contend with, you just can’t trust a label. A lot of the time the tags are cut out anyway. If you like it, give it a go! If you’re shopping for furniture, be aware that pieces may need some TLC such as reupholstering or painting to get them into a condition that will have your friends and family amazed at its origin.

6. Etiquette

Treat the stock with respect. Just because the items are second-hand does not mean that they deserve to be thrown unceremoniously on the floor and trampled. Hang garments back up after trying them and hand them to a sales assistant. It’s much nicer than hearing the sales assistants curse you under their breath as you leave. Also, be mindful of delicate items such as glassware and china… As with all stores, if you break it, you buy it! Bonus Tip Don’t forget to check the store’s refund policy before buying. Most thrift stores will not refund donated items regardless of their condition since, after all, they are heavily discounted and are raising funds for charity. Your local op shop could have that one item you’ve been dreaming about. Now that you’ve got our tips, you’re ready to take on the world of thrift store shopping, helping the wider community in the process.

For our Australian readers, check out www.opshop.org for a full listing of op-shops and thrift stores in your local area.

Jenny Williams www.creativestyle.com.au

Elise Harper www.yELLEStyling.com