February 7 2007: Op-shopping
Amanda’s dressing-uniquely-on-a-budget tip #69:
Raid your local opportunity shop.
You’d be surprised what bargains you can pick up. Today I found a brand new with tags attached United Colors of Benetton short-sleeved stripey shirt from a few seasons back for $8 (originally $90 RRP). Though it was a little larger around the waist than I would have liked, I solved this by grabbing a $1 long blue-patterned silk scarf and using it as a sash to clinch in the waist.
Paired with straight leg dark denim jeans, white flats, and an oversized leather handbag…and voila! Instant style on a budget.
13 Responses to “Op-shopping”
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Those are great tips. Personally, I like shopping at the second hand stores. Where else can you get a pair of jeans for 75 cents? And the best part? Nobody has to know! :)
Amanda on February 7 2007 #
Good tip :D
Noemi on February 7 2007 #
Our old house had this awesome cancer-society second hand shop within walking distance where they had some of the most awesome clothes at unbelievable prices. I miss it. :(
Belinda on February 7 2007 #
Whoops, forgot to mention, post pictures of the shirt you bought! I want to see it, all the shirts on that website looks so oomph! and colorful.
Belinda on February 7 2007 #
Benetton is still selling clothes? Wow.
I haven’t heard from them since the ’80s. Are they still as bright and colorful as ever?
Vintage and secondhand shops are the best places to go for cheap products that are usually a good quality. But beware of places like Goodwill - the clothes are usually overpriced and not the greatest quality. Trust me.
Jennifer on February 7 2007 #
I have a United Colours of Benneton t-shirt. My auntie bought it for me - I dread to think how much it cost, so I blotted it from my brain and simply said “thank you”.
Nice advice! Although I have to say I don’t think… What is an opportunity shop? Like a charity shop? O_o
Amber on February 7 2007 #
I can never find anything good in op shops. :( Give us tips on how to find something!
Tracey on February 7 2007 #
Opportunity shops are great, usually the stuff you find in there is very decent even if it doesn’t have tags attached. They won’t take torn or washed up clothing anyway.
It’s definitely not weird, dirty or cheapskate-ish to shop there, even though some might think it is..
Chans on February 7 2007 #
I have a serious problem when it comes to second-hand clothing. I used to love the stuff as a kid, but these days the idea of someone else possibly having worn what I’m wearing creeps me out and makes me feel icky. I have tried to work past this problem because some of the things you find in op shops are amazing, but I can’t.
I have opshopophobia!
It probably doesn’t help that most opshops over here use lavender washing powder on their clothes and I can’t stand the smell of lavender. Eeeee.
Nellie on February 8 2007 #
My mom LOVE going to winners (it’s basically goods from brand names that was defected but slightly … or products that the manufacturer was unsatisfied with). She once found this beautiful Kenneth Cole jean jacket for $40, when the original price was $100. I then wore it with this really “fobby” shirt that I bought in Macau … hm I have a picture in the photobucket. Here it is.
Bottom line: looking fabolous on a budget = WINNER.
Jennii on February 8 2007 #
Well, since I’m a guy, I’m totally not into fashion. ‘Cause, ya know, that’s just how it is. But, I do like to dress uniquely sometimes, even if I’m limited in how I can do this.
Unfortunately, my mom never lets me look around the second hand shops. She’s crazy and thinks they only have old, dirty clothes that I shouldn’t wear.
Josh on February 8 2007 #
Nice! But we have so many thrift shops here in the city. I wish I were into fashion. ^_^
Shari on February 8 2007 #
I probably would have paired it with a pair of normal jeans and trainers, like I do all my tops. I look forward to your other fashion tips, I’m in desperate need of a fashion makeover and mentor :-P
Kat on February 8 2007 #