The world’s best known luxury brands may have arrived on the Gold Coast but the closest most of us would ever get to owning Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada or Christian Louboutin would be their enchanting window displays.
If money is no object, head straight to the many new high-end shops at major shopping centres but be prepared to part with a small fortune.
But for those whose budgets don’t stretch that far, there are gems waiting to be discovered at suburban charity stores.
All that’s required is a good eye, sense of style, perseverance and a dash of adventure.
Stamina separates those who leave their local op shop disappointed after a quick peek and those who can rattle off a list of their best buys.
The most amazing finds are discovered unexpectedly – most often at the bottom of a pile. Have the right attitude and you could strike gold.
The key to successful op shopping is to look for quality – the basics can be picked up anywhere but it takes an astute shopper to spot those special finds.
Accept you won’t be successful every time, but when you do find those rare gems you’ll feel as if you’ve hit the jackpot.
Charity stores are great for finding beautiful items at affordable prices but the system is unreliable – you just have to keep looking.
You might find a new $2500 pair of Jimmy Choo boots in their original box on one day (as we did at My Salvos in Bundall) or a Ralph Lauren duck down ski jacket (found at Lifeline in Mermaid Beach) the next.
Australians are the world’s largest consumer of textiles behind the United States spending twice as much as the global average on new clothes and textiles each year.
So why not consider reducing your footprint on the globe by shopping for recycled bargains.
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Here is our list of important tips to consider:
Check the label
The quickest way to tell whether an item is genuine or of better quality is to check the label. If an item is made in France, Italy, Germany, England or the United States you have snared a bargain.
Do a quick search for the label on the internet but remember there are thousands of fakes, especially when it comes to the most luxurious brands of all – Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
These companies only use the best materials and craftsmen in constructing their product – fortunately the internet is awash with information to determine the difference between a “knock-off” and the real thing.
Always look for quality
Allow the fabric to guide you if you feel overwhelmed by your search. Look for luxurious fabrics such as silk, cashmere, angora, linen or high grade cotton because designer labels are generally made from superior materials.
Look at the stitching – well-sewn garments, many with linings, generally come from high-end stores.
Be discerning when it comes to shoes, bags and belts – only shop for leather.
The construction of these items are key. The better the stitching and construction the better the quality and durability.
Just because you are buying second-hand, doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality.
Seek out classics
When in doubt go for classical styling but don’t be afraid to spread your wings as you become more confident.
Be guided by items that stand out from those around them. When you find that perfect item but the hem is a bit long or the zip broken – have it mended – it may be one of your best investments.
Location, location, location
Wealthy postcodes are more likely to receive designer donations, but many charity stores do their homework, with the price tags reflecting the true value of the goods.
If you’re not afraid of rummaging through rails and rails of clothing or packed shelves, don’t underestimate the more chaotic stores – that is where the real bargains could be found.
Collection of op shop items
Keep going back
Don’t expect to strike gold the first time you walk through the door. It may take several visits to different stores to find a true gem.
However, you will quickly be able to find the stores with the best offerings and then it is all about timing and good luck.
Keep going back frequently and take your time to search for that special item.
But remember, if you couldn’t be bothered to flick through crammed racks in your local op shop, you’re unlikely to walk away with a luxury designer purchase for next to nothing.
Styling
Learn how to style – follow trends in fashion magazines and stay ahead of the game. Find someone whose style you admire and adapt it to suit you.
Look through everything – don’t restrict yourself to size or gender.
Op shop staff have a lots to sort through with very little time which means clothing could end up in odd places.
Think ahead
Grab a bargain when you see it. Great buys don’t hang around. You may find a pair of designer leather boots in summer or a slinky evening dress in winter.
Be sure to inspect items in good light to look for damage or staining.
If you’re looking for something specific speak to staff to keep an eye out for what you are looking for or inspect stock that may not have made it to the display floor.
Consider the bigger picture
Only buy items you are truly excited about. If you don’t love it in the store or aren’t excited about its potential, leave it.
However, the best items never remain on the shelves for long. If you’re uncertain you could always take it home, try it with other items in your cupboard and if it doesn’t work just donate it back.
Most items are extremely cheap and the money supports a charity.
Don’t forget jewellery, accessories or other nick knacks
Op shops are great for picking up fabulous scarves, necklaces, bags and belts.
Make sure you look under the counter and think outside the square. A gorgeous broach could be repurposed as a hair piece, necklace or bracelet.
Always take cash – it could be worth a discount
Not all op shops have made it into the 21st century and bargaining is always easier when you have cash in the hand.
Always wear something which is easy to change in and out of to save time because you are likely to be trying on a lot of outfits to find the best buy. Never wear button and slip-on shoes are a must.
Shop mid-week
Most donations are dropped off over the weekend when volunteer staff don’t have the time to sort through donations.
The best shopping days are therefore mid-week when fresh stock makes it onto the op shop floor.
It is also a much quieter time to shop and makes it easier to get into change room cubicles.
Plan your itinerary especially when shopping on a Saturday. Always take a friend to give an honest opinion.
Charity
Be nice to the volunteers who do an incredible job to make it possible for us to get retail therapy without breaking the bank.
Donate something every time you go shopping
Keep hoarding tendencies at bay by taking at least one item to donate every time you visit a charity store. Look through your cupboard for those items you only wear as a last resort.
OUR BEST FINDS IN JANUARY
Brown Jimmy Choo Boots (Retail value $2500) – On sale at My Salvos, Bundall for $180
Red duck down Ralph Lauren Ski Jacket (Retail value $3000) – Bought from Lifeline Store, Mermaid Beach for $25
Denim and leather imported SOS Italian jacket (Retail value $500) – Bought from Endeavour Recycled Clothing Store, Ashmore for $8
Black DKNY Leather Bag (Retail value $550) – Bought from Uniting Church Store, Ashmore for $3
Designer wedding gown (Retail value $2500 – $5000) – On sale at My Salvos, Bundall for $80.
White 1950s vintage Staney’s of Melbourne faux fur coat (on-line value $250) – Bought from My Salvos, Bundall for $4.
Jimmy Choo Boots (photo credit: David Magahy, Advanced Gold Coast Photography)
Red duck down Ralph Lauren Ski Jacket (photo credit: David Magahy, Advanced Gold Coast Photography)
(photo credit: David Magahy, Advanced Gold Coast Photography)
OUR TOP STORES
My Salvos Store
5/22 Crombie Avenue
Bundall 4217
P: 5592 2736
Endeavour Recycled Clothing Store
3/16 Central Park Avenue
Ashmore 4214
P: 5564 5875
Vinnies Store
Corner Currumburra & Nerang Rd
Ashmore 4214
P: 5564 6146
Lifeline Store
2532 Gold Coast Highway
Mermaid Beach 4218
P: 5572 0267
Uniting Church Store
Shop 17, Ashmore Plaza Centre
160 Cotlew Street
Ashmore 4214
P: 0415 085 149
FSG Australia
Buttons n Beans OpShop & Coffee House
20 Railway Street
Southport
CHARITIES WITH OP SHOPS
Salvation Army
Endeavour Foundation
St Vincent De Pauls (Vinnies)
Lifeline
RSPCA
Red Cross
C3 Church Currumbin
Uniting Church
Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ)
Anglican Church
The post How to strike gold at suburban charity stores appeared first on More Gold Coast.