Op ‘til you drop and save big
SECOND-HAND clothes shopping was once derided, but with bushfires, environmental concerns and tighter budgets, op shopping has emerged as a hot fashion trend in 2020.
Vicky Weatherlake created the I Love to Op Shop Facebook Group five years ago, and it has swelled to an active community of more than 48,000 people.
“Boy, do we see some amazing and creative things being shared on a daily basis,” she said.
Ms Weatherlake said op shopping had grown in popularity as consumers wanted to seek better ways to source items. “Polls I have run show environmental concerns are a high priority and a primary reason many now shop this way,” she said.
Fashion blogger Leeyong Soo agreed. “I love keeping pieces out of landfill, finding nostalgic pieces, rescuing ugly clothing and altering it to create my own style,” she said.
Ms Soo, who is an official Vogue Japan overseas blogger, takes outfits from op shops and restyles them.
Making money stretch in tough economic times has also boosted the popularity of op shopping.
Brisbane Instagrammer Ebonie Serrell started op shopping when she became a stay-at-home mum.
“I have saved a fortune since I started op shopping,” she said.
“I used to spend up to $100 on a single item of clothing that I might only wear once or twice.
“But now I can buy multiple outfits for myself, my hubby and son, and still have change for $100.
“The good thing is that you support charity by buying, and then support them again by re-donating items back.”
With many people losing their possessions in recent bushfires, op shops and the charities they support are providing more than just good bargains.
Kate Constance Brady lost everything when her home burnt down in September last year. “Where did I go?” she said.
““The op shop, of course! They provided me with new furniture, clothing and food hampers.
“I’d like to tell others who have recently gone through fires that they will get there – there is hope. And when you miss special things, even though they might not be the same, you can go to an op shop.”