treasure map

It's there in the side bar - a link to all of the Melbourne op shops that I could muster with a start on their addresses, telephone numbers and opening hours. If you know of any more, or can add/correct any details - let me know!

best find(s) ever

There is so much in our house that comes from the op shop that it is very difficult to choose just one thing. So, I've chosen one thing for each member of our household.

Yves Saint Laurent Homme blazer

Although this is a men's blazer I like to wear it as a jacket/coat when it gets cold. 100% wool, beautifully made. I bought it years ago at the South Melbourne Community Chest Opportunity Shop in Bank Street. $12.00 rings a bell.

Camper pelotas

My husband wears Camper shoes - usually just one pair until they fall apart. We went on a shopping expedition the other day and bought a couple of new pairs for him (they were 20% off) at which point he relinquished the totally dilapidated pair that he was wearing. The next day I was at the Sacred Heart Mission op shop on Inkerman Street, East St Kilda and found these Campers for $15.00 - identical to the ones that he gave up the day before, same colour, same size, just in better condition.

Fisher Price activity centre

When we visited a friend a few weeks ago I was green with envy over her original 1970s Fisher Price activity board - her mother had kept it packed away for almost 30 years. Thank you, thank you St Vincent's Benalla - $3.00.


What are your best op shop finds ever? Please share!

I op therefore I am

I need to start this blog so that I have an outlet for crowing about my latest op shop finds; I think that I’m beginning to bore some friends. I’m a big fan of buying stuff from the op shop – clothes, shoes, bags, furniture, wool, books, toys; I even found a breast pump once.

Here are just some reasons why it’s great to op shop:

SAVE MONEY – There is always a bargain to be had at the op shop. I like expensive label clothing, I particularly like it when it only costs $5.00.

CHARITY – This is where I like my money to go; when you op shop you are doing a good deed at the same time.

SUSTAINABILITY – A great way to recycle and re-use, it’s a greener way to live.

TREASURE – I love the thrill of the chase; to find something at the op shop that is your size, your colour, your treasure basically.

There will be posts about best finds ever and ongoing commentary on what people are finding, feature op shops, treasure alerts and a link is coming to op shop names and addresses. If you live in Melbourne, Australia and would like to participate, please send me an email at bollewangenhaptoetATgmailDOTcom