Style File
SARA is a huge fan of op-shopping and describes herself as a “chronic collector”.
Her 1930s home, which was moved from Lismore onto their block, is furnished with second-hand finds and decorated with op-shop artworks and ornaments.
“I’ve never enjoyed retail shopping at all,” she says.
“My mum was an op-shopper, my grandma was an op-shopper, I’ve just always loved the treasure hunting aspect and not knowing what might be there for me. Nothing might be there, but something might be, and just that is a thrill.”
Best op-shop find?
A leather Falcon Chair I found at the Ballina op shop (a style of chair that regularly sells for upwards of $1000). When I saw it my heart just started pounding. I thought ‘no way that’s for sale’. I asked how much it was, and she said, ‘it’ll be $50’. I’m like, ‘yes I’ll take it!’. So, in terms of something you can verify that’s it’s treasure, that’s my treasure.
Most treasured item?
It’s completely weird and the rest of my family hate it, but I’ve got a little bark picture of two kookaburras that I love. I think if my house was burning down, I’d grab that before the designer chair (laughs). I don’t know why I love it so much and no one else loves it in quite the same way that I do!
Favourite op-shop fashions?
I’ve gone through different stages. When I was younger, I loved ’70s maxi dresses. That was my kind of look, and I’ve got a few pieces that I have kept but I never wear anymore. Now I think I really love things that someone’s either hand made, or they’ve been hand embroidered, that sort of thing. I have a stall semi-regularly at the Lismore Car Boot selling my clothes, so I’ll wear something a few times then I’ll move it on. Because I’m so dedicated to op shopping, if something comes in something’s got to go out, otherwise I’d be drowning! (laughs). There are always a few favourites, but I try and not get too attached.
Op-shop splurge?
Two Roads Vintage in Lismore is a-mazing. That’s where I’ll do my kind of luxury shopping if you like. Pretty much everything I’ve bought from a shop I’ve bought from Mel at Two Roads Vintage because she’s just got this really beautiful curated collection of stuff that really appeals to me.