I’ll never forget the time my late-mother-in-law became horrified when she found out I’d bought some items from markets and what we called ‘rummage sales’. Charity shops were smelly horrible places in her view. However, in those far off days in the 1970s I bought amazing shawls and beautiful velvet jackets that fed the hippie theme.
In a branch of Oxfam in Bath in the United Kingdom, I found designer dresses straight from London for a few pounds. Clothes I knew had cost someone an arm and a leg to purchase. It was a great time to pick up the dresses to wow them at a party. We all wore long dresses then.
It’s fair to say my addiction to shopping, and shopping in op shops, started early. I am a seasoned shopper now and belong to a great community of lovely people who share their triumphs online. They seem to be rather nice people too, several of them buy clothes to use in performances entertaining the residents of local nursing homes. They also seem ready to help others find their coveted collectables.
We all share information about where there are bargains. The lady who collects wedding dresses and has about 50 is often tipped off about treasures seen by others.
For some people they collect shelves of green glass, or Barbie dolls, old patterns from the ’50s, paintings or brilliant jewellery. Some people really have a great eye for a bargain.
Recently shared was a brooch that someone bought for a few dollars, verified as worth $400; designer shoes in brand new state still with tags, for a pittance; wedding dresses and ball gowns; hats; and a wide variety of toys and collectables of all types. Someone, somewhere will be snapping it up.
If books are your thing they are still being sold. Toys take up large areas and my daughter buys them for her dog as they are cheaper than the pet shop. Another person makes bedspreads from old linen and cotton items, and yet another makes the torn or cut up items into a knitted rug, how clever is that!
Most of the women and a few men, share their recent buys weekly, so the photos shown make for very interesting viewing. The lone male buys rather smart jackets and waistcoats and models them for us. There is also an amazing woman with so much vivacity, who wears clothes with real flair and she is in a wheelchair. Her brilliant personality transcends everything.
I buy because I love clothes and I have very little spare cash, so it is necessary for me! Recent bargains only cost $1 each on a Vinnie’s sale rail. I shop as often as weekly and admit it would be more if I could make it.
I have three ‘ball’ gowns I have bought for about $7 each. I may never wear them, but then who knows? I love glittery fun things and bright cheerful colours, my shopping routine is to look for things that may match my wardrobe. I go with a purpose and have a good eye for colours I need.
Recently I bought a $1 camisole top in blues in one shop then later a bright pink cardigan for $2 in another, the white trousers I found were classic, perfect and fitted me $2. Proof you can buy an entire outfit for $5.
I suppose the buzz of having new clothes is what keeps me going back. Also I find the quality of recently made items available in major outlets is pretty bad at times. Material is cheap, the sewing is slip shod. However, when you find a designer label and the item is pure wool, well it’s a winning combination!