Op-shopping, thrifting or vintage scouring is a game of chance. These are the rules to help appease the vintage gods
Vintage fashion junkies know, when embarking on a day of thrifting, Op-shopping or charity shop diving, luck is a key factor in the overall standard of the vintage haul for the day.
A mixture of superstition, karmic logic and basic know-how, these commandments may gain you entry to vintage heaven
Over the years, as a serious vintage clothing shopper and seller, I have developed a set of rules to maximise the odds whilst on the hunt for those rare and wonderful vintage treasures.
A mixture of superstition, karmic logic and basic know-how, these commandments will see you in good stead on the thrifting mission, and perhaps even gain you entry to vintage heaven.
- Thou shalt not begin thy search with a specific item in mind: it will never be found.
- Thou shalt bring cash: Eftpos facilities are often an unnecessary technology in smaller, of the beaten track, op-shops.
- Thou shalt always pick up anything that falls off its hanger: This small act gives you vintage-karma points.
- Thou shalt thank the vintage gods: An exclamation of happiness at a particularly good find, say a high waisted, black leather, full ruffled skirt, never goes stray. I tend to opt for the sweet and short ‘WINNER!’
- Thou shalt always go to the bathroom before hitting the shops: Never fails; you reach your end-of-nowhere, suburban charity shop, hit the racks and suddenly the urge for the porcelain throne strikes you. Op-shops are notorious for having a no public bathroom policy and so more times than not a drive back to a gas station will be required to find relief.
- Thou shalt dig: Get stuck into all the nooks and crannies; hat bins, change room discard racks, lingerie racks and children’s sections will often provide hidden vintage gold.
- Thou shalt wear comfortable, easy to remove, clothing with pockets: Nothing cuts a grand day of op shopping short than the prospect of heading into the change room, over and over, to undress and redress when your wearing 15 layers of clothing. Pockets for keys, Ipod and cash, leaving your hands free for the mountainous pile of clothing you find.
- Thou shalt never buy small: Whether it be a pair of shoes, a dress, pants or even a hat. Even if it is a glorious 50′s floral cotton tea dress with ornate glass buttons and a fitted bodice so divine you would sell your mum to own; if it is even a half size too small, leave it be, you’ll never wear it. If you’re nice, buy it, and give it to a lucky and slightly smaller friend.
- Thou shalt always check thoroughly: Look out for stains, tears, broken zippers and dodgy alterations.
- Thou shalt have a chat and share a smile: Making friends with the staff is never a bad idea, it brightens everyone’s day and, best case scenario, they’ll share the vintage love and grab that special something from out the back for you.
Good luck on the hunt.
The Ginger Fox is a dedicated and avid enthusiast of vintage clothing and unique, imaginative vintage style.
Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Hi there..I mentioned in my post on Tuesday, the rules of engagement when in a Op Shop..but this is cool. Put a link to this page.
Totally agree with #6. The good stuff always gets picked over in the standard clothing aisles, so you gotta get off the beaten path and dig around the pajamas, lingerie, etc. Something awesome might be hiding behind that winter coat