It's such an Australian expression. In the US or Canada it's a Thrift Store or in the UK a Charity Shop.

Whatever you call them I've been skulking around them since I was, well, ever. We had one in my hometown where I used to go and buy mens jackets and waistcoats and petticoats in my Pretty in Pink 80s days. I remember my mum taking a photo of me once as I left for a friend's house saying 'you won't believe you wore that out'. There was an odd old hat and a very long skirt involved from memory.

When I was a teenager I got a bit more cautious of buying up stock in the one op shop in our small country town  (people inevitably recognized bits and pieces) so started shopping in North Sydney when I went to visit my Nan and Pop. Mecca. 

Today I grab any old chance in any old store anytime I'm not accompanied by a toddler. 

I recently discovered the Salvos Stores which is where I found the green wrap dress. I have one nearby which is fabulous. 

But then. I found it. Last week. The best op shop in the world. Why? Because you pay by the kilo. Can you believe it? They give you a garbage bag, you weigh it at the end, and you pay $6 per kilogram. And if, like me, you tend to buy lightweight kinda cottony stuff? Everything works out at about 50 cents. It's actually hard not to go a little crazy. 

Here is a small selection of my visit:

A long dress, a few lovely blouses, a couple of fabulous frocks for Tilly…

 I love this one, it sits perfectly over the baby bump. Who doesn't feel better wearing cherries?

A wonderful long woven cotton scarf. Perfect for autumn (nearly there!). In purple. How I love purple. One day I intend to be a crazy old lady who has a chook standing on her kitchen table and who only wears purple.

xxx