My controversial money-saving rule: buy second-hand first
New doesn't always mean better. In an era of fast fashion and shrinking quality, some of the best bargains, and best-made clothes, are hiding on op shop racks.
It's 1992 and I'm sitting in the car, sulking like the moody teenager I am, hoping no one will see me parked outside the op shop.
Meanwhile my mum is happily sorting through the racks, finding bargain Rip Curl T-shirts and on-trend denim overalls to add to my wardrobe. Fast forward to today and I'm excited to tell anyone who will listen about my latest op shop discovery. Thankfully I grew out of my awkward teens and into a frugal, second-hand fashion hunter.
And if you're looking for an excuse to give op shopping a go, Vinnies NSW is offering 50% off everything for one day only on Saturday, October 17, in celebration of World Op Shop Day.
The discount applies across Vinnies NSW stores and online through Vinnies Finds, offering bargain hunters a chance to snap up pre-loved clothing, homewares and books for half price.
With cost-of-living pressures still biting, many Australians are turning to op shops as a way to cut spending on clothing, furniture, books and household goods without sacrificing quality.
How op shopping slashed my clothing bill
Having to dress for work, social events or special occasions can be expensive.
Building a work wardrobe can easily cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Buying second-hand has allowed me to wear quality brands for a fraction of the retail price.
One of the things I've noticed over the years is that many older garments simply feel better made. From heavier fabrics to sturdier stitching, second-hand clothes can offer quality that's surprisingly hard to find at the same price point today.
On the racks of your local Vinnies, it's not uncommon to find a Cue dress for less than $20. In many cases, that same dress could later be resold online for considerably more.
I'll often wear an outfit for a season, then sell it and use the money to fund my next op shop haul. This works particularly well for special occasion outfits.
Besides underwear, I can barely remember the last clothing item I bought brand new.
And op shopping's appeal extends well beyond saving money.
• 13,844 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill in Australia each year
• Vinnies NSW received 3.4 million kilograms of donated textiles last financial year
• Vinnies sold 12.4 million items across NSW last financial year
Good for your budget, better for the planet
The savings are one reason I love op shopping. The environmental benefits are another.
World Op Shop Day celebrates the role op shops play in keeping usable goods out of landfill and giving pre-loved items a second life.
The scale of Australia's textile waste problem shows why extending the life of clothing through reuse and resale has become increasingly important.
Every purchase also helps support the charity's work assisting people experiencing hardship across NSW.
As Gemma Presley, retail experience and brand manager at Vinnies NSW, puts it: "World Op Shop Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything people love about op shopping; the thrill of finding something unique, the affordability, the sustainability and the sense of community."
My favourite op shop bargain ever
Of all my op shop finds, the one that attracts the most compliments is a wool check Country Road jacket I picked up for just $30.
It was a little over my usual op shop budget, but considering it retailed for more than $300, it was still an absolute bargain.
Over the years I've also picked up barely worn Cue dresses, designer jackets and books that looked as though they'd never been opened. That's part of the appeal of op shopping, you never know what treasure might be waiting on the next rack or shelf.
And if I haven't convinced you to start op shopping already, I can tell you there's something especially satisfying about receiving compliments on an outfit that cost next to nothing.
The op shopping tips I swear by
1. Shop sale days and special events
Keep an eye out for discount days such as World Op Shop Day, when charities like Vinnies offer major storewide sales. Many op shops also run regular coloured-tag promotions and clearance events.
2. Check online before you visit
Many charities now sell premium items online through platforms such as Vinnies Finds, while stores often promote new stock and sales on social media.
3. Know the brands worth hunting for
Brands such as Assembly Label, Country Road, Aje, Witchery, Cue, Sportscraft , Trenery and Gorman often turn up at op shops for a fraction of their original price and tend to hold their value well.
4. Inspect before you buy
Always check for stains, holes, missing buttons, broken zips and fabric pilling. A bargain isn't a bargain if it needs expensive repairs.
5. Use resale apps to gauge value
Before buying, check eBay, Depop or Facebook Marketplace to see what similar items are selling for. You might discover a hidden bargain or avoid overpaying.
6. Don't stop at clothing
Some of the best bargains are in homewares, books, furniture, kitchenware, sporting goods and children's toys. Cast a wider net and you're more likely to find hidden gems.
7. Buy with a wishlist, not just impulse
It's easy to get carried away when everything seems cheap. Keep a list of items you actually need, whether it's workwear, a coffee table or a winter coat, and focus on purchases you'll genuinely use.
8. Think cost per wear
Before buying, ask yourself how many times you'll realistically use the item. A $20 blazer worn 50 times is often a better purchase than a $5 impulse buy that stays in the wardrobe.
Whether you're hunting for a designer jacket, a new bookshelf or simply a way to stretch your budget, there's never been a better time to give op shopping a try. And with Vinnies offering 50% off for World Op Shop Day, you might just discover your own bargain worth bragging about.
Get stories like this in our newsletters.
Reply