For the Love of Thrifting
We’re handing over all of our best secrets. Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag bargain, some vintage glassware for the bar cart or a new dining suite, there’s an op-shop waiting for you.
27 April 2023
Photography: SK Media
Thrifting, or the art (oh yes, it's an art) of op-shopping at second hand stores, has become increasingly popular in recent years. What was once seen as a niche activity for those looking for vintage or unusual clothing has now become a mainstream trend embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. And at the heart of this trend is a deep love for the thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of finding a great bargain.
At its core, opshopping is all about sustainability. By buying secondhand items, we are reducing the demand for new goods and keeping existing items out of the landfill. This is an especially important consideration in a world where fast fashion and disposable consumerism have become the norm. Opshopping allows us to break out of this cycle and find unique, high-quality items that can be used and enjoyed for years to come.
But the love of opshopping goes beyond just practical considerations. There is something deeply satisfying about the act of searching through racks of clothing or shelves of knick-knacks, never quite sure what you might find. It could be a vintage leather jacket, a retro record player, or a quirky piece of art that speaks to your soul. The thrill of the hunt is what makes thrifting such a unique and exciting experience.
For some, it's a form of relaxation, a chance to escape the stresses of daily life and lose themselves in the process of browsing and exploring. For others, it's a social activity, a chance to bond with friends or family members over a shared love of thrifting and vintage finds.
And then, of course, there's the thrill of the bargain. Opshopping allows us to find high-quality items at a fraction of their retail cost, making it possible to create a unique and stylish wardrobe or home decor collection without breaking the bank (this is especially true for items like furniture and home decor, which can be incredibly expensive when purchased new). There's a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with finding the perfect item at a price that feels like a steal.
For many, opshopping is also a way to express their individuality and creativity. By finding and repurposing unique items, they are able to create a style that is entirely their own. Opshopping allows us to embrace our quirkiness and celebrate our differences, rather than conforming to the trends dictated by the fashion industry (a witty quote from The Devil Wears Prada feels like it would have been appropriate here).
In the end, the love of thrifting is about much more than just buying secondhand items. It's about embracing a more sustainable and conscious way of living, connecting with others who share our values and interests, and celebrating our own unique style and creativity. So the next time you're in the mood for some shopping, why not give thrifting a try? Who knows what treasures you might find.
TIPS:
We asked two serial op-shoppers for their top tips and tricks for finding the best pieces from decades of thrifting around the world and working in charity stores.
“Op shops have come a long way from being the dusty moth-ball graveyards of the past. It is not uncommon to find designer labels and gems, sitting proudly amongst a curated window of bric-a-brac.
Nowadays, I have it pretty well down pat as I know what I like (and don’t). My eyes are scanning for great prints, texture and natural fabrics- silk, linen, quality cotton and wool. I’ve learned the hard way to check the garments condition and when I have time, try things on! I have to admit - one too many times I’ve bought something only to have it not fit and end up back in the ‘charity’ bag.
Some of my favorite finds include pants I wear on a regular basis from Witchery, Country Road & Marcs, a dress I love by PAUW Amsterdam, a dreamy skirt by Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino jeans and jacket I love, love, love by Trelise Cooper.
If you have the time, it can be worth your investment when you find that great quality garment, pair of shoes or bag for a fraction of the original retail price - Danielle, Thrifting extrodinaire”
”1. Shop regularly. Even better still, find the days new stock arrives and enters the shop floor. We are all eager beavers, the best chance you have of finding that Prada men’s button-up is being there when they first put it out on the racks. Still one of my most fabulous finds to date!
2. Look at everything in every section. Go through all the hangers in men’s, women’s, and kids’; people put things back in the darndest places. Thrifting is all about rummaging and lives up to Carrie Bradshaw’s famous words, “Shopping is my cardio”.
3. Always look under the counter. I have a collection of stamped vintage wedding band sets that I found at an op-shop. You can find high-quality vintage jewellery at a fraction of the price.
I also love the sentiment that someone’s love story is continued by me wearing their rings. Or it could have been a bitter divorce I guess, and that’s why they ended up in the op shop but I’m in thrifting for the backstory. I love imagining the life my pieces lived before we met.
4. Seek the statement pieces. Life is short, wear bold garments. The art and joy of thrifting are finding items you don’t find elsewhere. Also, nothing compares to an 80’s sequin; they just don’t make them as they used to!
5. If it’s a reasonable price and you are undecided, BUY IT! You can always convert garments to work for your body. I’ve found stunning dresses that simply don’t zip up. I have a tailor remove the zip and add a button to the neckline. That fabulous dress that didn’t fit is now backless!
6. Vintage glasses and tableware are so damn cool. Find them, buy them, and love them until they inevitably break.
7. If you ever have buyer’s guilt, just remember you are supporting incredible charities that help our community. Plus, if you bought it brand new, it would have cost far more - Kristy, @ohsothrifted”
WHERE TO THRIFT:
ORPHANS & WIDOWS
Orphans & Widows sells clothing, accessories, books and homewares. The store finances child welfare projects at a local and international level, including projects in India, Laos and Kenya. The store is known for its brand name clothes sold at affordable prices, and regularly takes part in the Toowoomba School Formal Donation Project, helping students attend their formals.
THE VINTAGE PEAR
Looking for your next vintage artwork or retro, statement piece of furniture? This large vintage store in the CBD stocks an impressive range of antiques and collectibles that will add to your home, or make the perfect gift for a loved one. With everything from crockery to cookie jars, you’ll want to swing by and snap up a piece before it’s gone.
RED CROSS
This store is known for its more curated selection of clothing, which is neatly presented and clearly priced. Not the place for an absolute bargain or the thrill of the chase, this store instead wants to offer brand names at a discount and has stock from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, not just local donations. All funds go back into supporting Red Cross programs around Australia.
LIFELINE EMPORIUM & LIFELINE SUPERSTORE
The Lifeline Emporium is home to the largest collection of vintage clothes locally. The entire bottom floor is filled with clothing, ranging from $1 bargains from Kmart through to vintage furs. The store also sells homewares, bric-a-brac and a large selection of books.
Lifeline Superstore on the other hand boasts over 1000sqm of space and is full of homewares, clothes and larger furniture you won’t find in the smaller stores. There’s also an impressive range of original art, and plenty of room in the carpark to manoeuvre for pick-up.
VINNIES
Vinnies has a large range of clothing, shoes and accessories on the top floor, and books, homewares and bric-a-brac. There are regular deals like $1 for any book, and while prices are starting to rise, there’s still steals to be found.
COLLECTABLES
This social enterprise is run by YellowBridge and is full of high-quality homewares at bargain prices. Each purchase goes towards helping locals with disabilities gain employment, access work experience and learn new skills.
LOOP
Recently opened in Bowen lane in 2023, you be forgiven for not realising Loop is an op-shop, with its almost vintage boutique vibe. Loop offers high quality recycled clothing and homewares.
FIVEWAYS
If you’re looking for furniture, Fiveways can help with you their huge selection of both new and used goods – everything from dining suites, sofas, white goods, bookshelves, desks and more. Some is vintage, most is second hand, but for sheer range, it’s a must visit.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Nestled in a city side street, this is the kind of store that is hidden to most but catches your attention and invites you in with its large window display showing off its endless racks of clothing. This is the place to go for womenswear, as well as, randomly, plants – there’s a rack of succulents and flowers waiting for their new home.
ADRA
This city-centre op-shop sells an impressive range of men and women’s clothing including formal and bridal gowns, as well as children’s outfits, toys and books. They also stock linen and kitchenwares to fill your home.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
With new stock being donated daily, the Save the Children op-shop can be a treasure trove – from vintage and contemporary clothes to shoes and books, vinyl records and designer knick knacks.
SALVOS FAMILY STORE
This op-shop is full of everything from small homewares through to racks upon racks of clothing. All profits go directly back into the local community (as opposed to going to a national headquarters) and funds vital Salvation Army services and activities.20 Prescott Street (near the PCYC)
DRUG ARM QUALITY SECOND HAND SHOP
Drug ARM helps people, families and communities impacted by alcohol and other drugs to achieve positive transformations. Their two local op-shops are the place to bag a bargain and help with recovery. You’ll find clothing, toys, books, bridal, movies, memorabilia and more.
RSPCA OP SHOP
This stores combines an op-shop with – wait for it – the cat adoption centre. Talk about a one-stop shop! The RSPCA op-shops raise 20% of the charity’s income, and this particular store is full of everything from clothes to bric-a-brac.
TONY’S COMMUNITY OP SHOP
For those that haven’t been, Tony's Op Shop sells pre-loved clothing, accessories, household items, toys and furniture - think you’re standard op-shop fare, with plenty of bargains and a focus on quality. What what makes Tony’s unique, is that nothing is priced over $50, and all the profits go directly towards supporting their other charitable programs and community kitchen.
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