The dressing game

It’s always the same. I cross the threshold filled with anticipation, eager to explore what’s inside. I have no idea what I’ll find and that makes the quest all the more exciting. I’m on a mission to find something new (and by new, I mean old, used, pre-loved, damaged even). ‘Let the games begin’, I think, as I navigate the rows of ridiculously low-priced garments. I rummage the racks and piles of clothes for the hidden treasure that I know is in there somewhere, just waiting for me to find it. The chase is on!

My love of second hand (op) shopping began in childhood. As one of six children, my cash-strapped mother often took us on outings to our local op shops. It was a real treat to be able to explore the shelves of toys and books - and as we got older, the racks of clothes and rows of shoes. Mum often allowed us to choose something to buy and I have fond memories of returning home with our ‘treasures’. I remember twirling around delightedly in the living room dressed in a fancy white ballerina type dress following one expedition. Another time, my sisters and I were each treated to a pair of high heels that were (dangerously) too big for us. Amazingly no injuries were sustained.

As a cash-strapped mother myself, I have continued to make op-shops my first port of call for a myriad of purchases. This has enabled me to, over the years, keep my home comfortably furnished and my wardrobe well stocked. Op-shopping makes sense to me. It's an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to regular shopping. But my love of op-shopping is not primarily driven by common sense. Ultimately it is the thrill of the chase that lures me in. The whole experience ignites my passion for problem solving, for creative thinking, for visualizing what could be.

Typically I approach the challenge with a vague notion of what I’m looking for, based on some pre-existing inspiration. I might enter a store with a particular style of dress in mind for example. It matters little that the odds of finding that particular style may be low. I’m confident that, with my trusty sewing scissors and my (very) basic sewing skills I can achieve success. Provided a garment has the potential for easy alteration I am encouraged. Often it is the colour, quality and/or texture of fabric that initially catches my eye. I have re-created many-a- dress, transformed them into unique, wearable styles. It's amazing what a difference a raised hemline and sleeve length can do to an ‘outdated’ dress.

I try to keep an open mind when on the hunt too. I always explore the larger sizes as there tends to be more material to ‘play with’. Side seams can usually be taken in quite easily after cutting away excess fabric. Or the material can be used to create something altogether ‘new’. A massive pair of pants with an interesting print once caught my eye. I took them home and converted them into a cute two piece set for summer. It’s not just the clothing section that offers an opportunity for creating unique attire either. I once fashioned a pair of adorable elasticated pants for my baby daughter from a pair of retro curtains. It was her first introduction to the marvelous world of op-shop creations. As a teen, she developed an appreciation for the economical benefits of op-shopping and began upcycling clothing herself. Jeans were easily turned into shorts and long t shirts into crop tops. I recently helped her (with my still very basic and far from perfect sewing skills) to transform a beautiful lace tablecloth into a stunning dress which she wore with pride.

The benefits of op-shopping and repurposing clothing are many. Aside from the obvious financial benefits, wearing my own unique creations over the years, and passing that gift onto my daughter has given me a sense of accomplishment. It also feels good to be doing my little bit for the planet. As a second hand consumer I am essentially reducing my carbon footprint. Mainstream consumerism and its negative impact both socially and environmentally is something I’m determined to opt out of where possible. I am committed to refraining from purchasing anything new where there is an acceptable second hand alternative. Ultimately, I continue to op-shop because I enjoy the challenge, the thrill of the chase. I love knowing that the only obstacle standing in my way as I enter that treasure trove is a lack of imagination and vision. With a pair of scissors and my basic sewing skills, the sky's the limit.