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OP SHOPS offer something different for many types of people.
They are a plethora of the community’s forgotten wares, those items we do not want anymore but do not have the heart to throw away completely.
Op shops are a wonderful resource for several not-for-profit organisations, which depend on the donations and the sales from the stores to carry out their work.
They are the staple for the hipster sub-culture – because what is a man bun without a jumper that used to belong to someone’s grandpa?
They are undoubtedly a treasure trove for dress-up parties, Mills and Boon-esque novels and funky furniture.
They are also the place where fashion don’ts – I’m looking at you, puffy-sleeved dresses – have gone to die.
But is it also possible they are they place to put together an outfit that would seamlessly blend into a new-season wardrobe?
For National Op Shop Week I thought I would test the theory out.
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I chose three Horsham op shops at random to put together four outfits: a work look, a spring racing look, a casual look and a formal look.
I was a little loose on the look guidelines – in particular, I did not follow fashions on the field rules when choosing my race wear outfit.
This will probably be to the distaste of my colleague Erin McFadden, who is also a seasoned FotF entrant and winner.
However, the charm and slight downside to an op shop is you have to go with what is there, and if that is a spring racing dress with spaghetti straps, so be it.
The Salvation Army Thrift Shop, Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Opportunity Shop and the Australian Red Cross shop all had a wide range of clothes, from fabulous to horrifying.
But isn’t that part of the fun?
After poring over skirts, dresses, shirts and pants in all shapes, colours and sizes I put together four outfits that do not scream ‘second-hand’.
I saved a bunch of money and I walked away with some fun new things to wear.
I have recently been lusting over new clothes and a trip to Europe.
Maybe now I can have my cake and eat it too?
So next time you are looking for a new outfit, do not discount an op shop.
It does take a lot of sorting through the racks to find something that is right for you, but it is worth it.
Not only will you bag a bargain, by shopping away from the chain stores you will also have something individual as well.
Also do not forget to surrender your too-good-to-throw-away stuff to your nearest store.
I myself have said goodbye to many an outfit when my wardrobe has become too full.
I found solace my pre-loved gear would hopefully become part of someone else’s fashion rotation.
Or they could have become part of someone’s ‘I can’t believe you wore that’ party costume, who knows?
Have you ever scored a great bargain in an op shop? Let us know below!