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Luxe for less — by Krysten Davis —
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here are several ways I manage to find luxury without selling a kidney. My ALL-time favorite is op-shopping. I bloody love op-shopping. I know what you’re thinking, crusty clothes, smelling of mothballs in outdated styles sold by geriatrics in dark overfilled shops. You could not be further from the truth……. Well maybe there is the occasional smell of mothballs. One of my recent purchases (from an Op Shop in Robina) is a stunning pair of genuine Givenchy kitten heels for $10!!! Now that is luxe for less. Let me fill you in on my Op Shop rules: 1.
It must fit perfectly (I can sew- but what happens is I plan to alter something, never get around to it and end up re-donating the article to the Op Shop 18th months later!)
2.
It must be a good brand. (There is no point spending $10 on something from Valley Girl if it was only $12 to start with- another hint- most Op shops have no ideaso you’ll find Target on the ‘designer’ rack and Carla Zampatti amongst the general stuff)
3.
It must be good fabric. (Linen, silk, wool, thick, soft cotton- none of the cheap crap that will not last and is probably already ruined by the one wash the previous owner gave it)
4.
Don’t forget to look in the ‘treasure’. (The un-initiated may not know that most Op Shops have a cabinet, usually near the front of the shop, where they keep the jewellery and sparkly things. This will contain 99% revolting costume jewellery fit for nothing but a toddlers toy box. But…. Amongst this I have found diamonds and 18ct gold and magnificent solid silver and pearls- it’s a real-life treasure hunt and so incredibly exciting when you find awesome loot).
If you really can’t bring yourself to set foot in an Op Shop (you’re crazy) but you can also have a champagne and swap party. Everyone brings 10 things they have loved but no longer love, or don’t fit or just need to never wear again. Everyone also brings champagne and you sit around chatting and trying on clothes and go home with things that will be your new favourites and cost you nothing! Both of these ‘luxe for less’ methods mean that you can experiment with style and colour in a way that you never would if you had to pay full price. The Gold Coast has some really amazing Op Shops and they raise money for good causes. So, if you’ve never been, save some money, find some treasure and get out there and pop your Op Shop cherry!
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GET IT August 2022
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