op shopping tips

Once considered the domain of grannies searching for a crocheted hankie, op shops have become a haven for hipsters, fashionistas, avid recyclers and bargain hunters, including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, as revealed by his wife on the weekend. Mrs Abbott was launching National Op Shop Week, and to celebrate we asked some of Australia's most passionate op-shop bloggers for their top tips for finding treasure, and their best ever buys. 1. Spend time searching Can't be bothered flicking through the crammed racks in your local op shop? Then it's unlikely you're going to walk away with luxury designer goods for less than $50, like Laura Timberlake, editor of Melbourne-based second-hand fashion blog A Little Boutique Near Home Stamina separates those who leave their local op shop disappointed after a quick peek, to those who can rattle off a list of their best buys quicker than family birthdays. "Make sure that you look through the stores thorou…