Monday, July 4, 2011

Brown buys at Sydneys BEST Op Shop!

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The thing I miss most about Melbourne is knowing where best op shops are. Ok, maybe not the thing I miss most, but you get what I mean. Well on the weekend I discovered what is possibly the best op shop in the WORLD right here in Sydney. Its the op shop that trumps all others in its magical cheapness as you do not pay per item but you pay just $8 per kilo. So where and what is this magical op shop of awesomeness? Its the Anglicare sorting factory shop and market in Summer Hill, just near the station.


Summer Hill Anglicare
Address105 Carlton Crescent, Summer Hill.
Open Mon-Fri 9am-3.30pm, Sat 9am-1.30pm. Closed Sun.
Cost $8 per kilo.


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The reason its so cheap is because it is the sorting depot for Anglicare's op shops, which means everything is a big unsorted mess that you have to sort through. Those white tubs are full of unsorted op shop goodness and grossness and its your job to scrounge through them hunting for whatever it is you desire.

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The place is huge, and you have to compete with other hunters in a way that is not unlike a pack of lions fighting over the last piece of meat on a freshly killed zebra, well something like that anyway. If your an unseasoned op shopper this may be a little daunting, but having been to a few Savers 50% off sale days in my time I felt right at home, pushing and shoving with the best of them. I was just so happy to be at a real op shop. I find when I ask locals about their favourite op shops they list what I would call vintage stores, the likes of which you would be lucky to find a loose button for $8, let alone the five pieces we left Anglicare with (total score!!!).In my search for op shops in Sydney that weren't vintage stores I found this comprehensive website opshop.org which lists op shops by location and also by organisation, which is where I learnt that Sydney has only a measly 114 op shops compared to Melbourne's vast 332. What Sydney lacks in city central op shops it does make up for in country op shops worthy of a road trip, but as a car less lass who relies on public transport such a trip sadly ain't happening any time soon. So that is why the Summer Hill Anglicare op shop is such a godsend, I get my fix and can train it there and back. So now comes the big reveal, what we bought.

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The first piece is the delightfully burnt orangey-brown blouse I'm wearing with my new ASOS chinos. The blouse is exactly what I've been looking for, like really truly I've been searching every online store from here to Timbuktu trying to find such a top, cannae believe I got it for $1.60!!! The chinos are from ASOS and I'm not too sure about them, sure they're mighty comfy, but not too sure they suit me. I originally ordered a pair in camel that were a little more high waisted but was advised that style had sold out whilst my order processed so was directed to these. I think they make me look really short and stumpy.

Blouse Summer Hill Anglicare $1.60
Chinos ASOS Curve on clearence for $30 
Necklace Estelle Dévé, gift
Loafers Sportsgirl on sale for $39.95
Bag Sporsgirl Fringe Bag $99.95 
Red Lipstick Mac Russian Red $36 

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Another item on my wish list was a brown shirt. My sister owns a similar shirt which I borrowed on my last trip home to team with my sheer City Chic maxi dress and I've been on the look out ever since as I loved the outfit. Again can't believe I find such a perfect one for one dollar freaking sixty!!!


Shirt Summer Hill Anglicare $1.60
Dress City Chic sheer maxi dress $99.95
Necklace Make Believe, gift
Loafers Sportsgirl on sale for $39.95
Red Lipstick Mac Russian Red $36 


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Henry didn't miss out on bargains either, snapping up this delish brown cord blazer for another unreal $1.60. He too had been searching for something similar for months without much luck and he plans to customise it with adorable dark brown leather elbow patches to update it a little (if we can just find where to buy them?).

Hat He has had it forever and doesn't know where he got it but maybe Japan
Blazer Summer Hill Anglicare $1.60
Shirt Kmart $5
Jeans That Store $200ish and not sure of brand (Updated, they are Nudie jeans)
Bag Savers $5
Desert Boots ASOS $45

I wish Henry would allow me to blog his outfits more often, or even start a blog himself, as I think he can share some unique shopping tips on how to dress well for less for men. For instance last night at Kmart he bought a striped polo shirt in bold blue and black stripes that just scream Prada for only $9. The lesson is don't dismiss Dimmeys, Kmart, BigW and Target guys out there as they have bargains galore and if you style the pieces well you won't look bogan-chic at all, unless that's your thing, then hey go for it. xoxo

37 comments:

  1. Ohhh, great scores! I've never heard of this place, will have to try and check it out!

    I can never pull of those colourings, but they suit you so well! I am so in love with the 2nd outfit!

    Also, Henry is so stylish! He should start a blog, I know a lot of men who could take tips from him!

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    1. Why not just make a living of these kind of stores and save your pennies and your sister in Melbourne can take care of Melbourne and mark Versace can give her a helping hand and you can look after business in Sydney Hayley you will kill it and become rich you should give it ago good luck any how's
      Your nigger west side smokers :)

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  2. I have GOT to check this place out! Great finds, Hayley!

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  3. I've been going there for years. Now everyone will swamp it and it will be ruined. Thanks Hayley

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  4. I love that place! I used to live around the corner and spend waayy to much time there! But you're right - you have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it!

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  5. Hey Anonymous, not too sure about that one as the op shop has been featured on both Two Thousand and Time Out Sydney, sites with far more reach than little ol' me.

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  6. Well done Hayley! I love Henry's jacket: big time score. Quite envious!

    Don't worry about anonymous - op shops rag and send overseas so much used clothing as there aren't enough of us buying it so I'm sure the op shops would be thrilled for the exposure. After all, the more they sell, the happier they are and the less clothes get destroyed!

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  7. i've been feeling brown lately too. found the cutest brown anorak in SF that i can't stop wearing even though it bleeds into my skin colour

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  8. 1. Both of those shirts are amazing.

    2. The chinos don't make you look short at all. You look great.

    Adelaidelaundry.com

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  9. Wow, what an amazing place, I must get there one day! Love the colour of your orange blouse

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  10. Ops shops are there for a reason- they are a charity assisting those in need! More exposure is great for them, Anonymous should stop thinking about themselves! Good work Hayley, great find.

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  11. Great bargains!
    I love the burnt orange blouse.
    Have a fab week xx

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  12. Score!! I am seriously in love with that maxi dress/tied up skirt outfit.

    I think Birch does elbow patches? Or M.Recht but don't know if they're in Sydney...ps. Henry dresses so well too, he should definitely blog!

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  13. holey moley! I freaking LOVE the blouses, my FAVOURITE colours and so damn cheap. Even Savers isn't the real cheapo superstore of yesteryear. I went on Sunday, they're 20% for students and still had to pay $9 for a red beanie.

    the outfits are tops and Henry looks excellento.
    well done you :-)

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  14. Great finds as usual Hayley! The haters seriously need to check themselves. What's wrong with more Sydney people getting excited about combing through second-hand stores and raising money for charity?

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  15. The both of you made out so well! When I was a teenager, I would go through all these bins because someone' else's trash is another persons treasure.

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  16. Such a stylish couple you make

    Great finds and thanks for sharing ;)

    Sleekit x

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  17. Thanks for this post! This is just around the corner from me and I can't wait to go have a look.

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  18. I adore the second outfit, you look great!
    You really weren't kidding about the lack of op shops in Sydney! I can't believe it's less than half the amount. Thanks for the link to opshops.org, absolutely priceless little gem of a site thankyou thankyou!
    Henry has great style, he really seems to understand how to put things together and colour co-ordinates exceptionally well but still manages to look understated and cool. Speaking of colour I love mustard yellow and black on you, it really suits you.

    Personally, I like the chinos but I feel they could be a little more tapered at the ankle to give it some shape. Maybe it's just the photo? I don't know.

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  19. so impressed with your finds! i think you look fantastic in all your photos :) definitely following!

    sarah rose
    zezaftig.blogspot.com

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  20. great
    www.thesocialbuyer.com

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  21. If you want to find Op Shops in any area of Australia, Designer Lookout have created a Boutique and Op Shop Finder App. It's free, but only available on the iPhone so far.

    You can go here to get it - http://thedl.co/oJNOVV or just search Designer Lookout in the app store.

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  22. Hayley man you are looking so super cool at the moment. In a way you look quite 'Melbourne' which is ironic given your move but none the less just gorgeous :)

    LM
    xx

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  23. Adore that colour on you + what a bargain! I really do need to try op shopping more often and would love Henry to have his own blog, we really do need more male fashion blogs in Aus.

    I also wanted to let you know that I'll be in Sydney for a Wikifashion meetup, if you'd like to come along? It's on August 2nd, all the details are here ~ http://bit.ly/nTQDxX

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  24. Great finds! I love seeing others super fashion super bargains!

    AND TELL HENRY WE WANT TO SEE MORE OF HIS OUTFITS!!!!!!!! don't give him a choice - just keep taking photos of him and post them! We need more fashionable males to inspire the rest of the gender!

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  25. Hi there..just to let you know that the opshop.org doesn't have all op shops in that area. There are at least 2 that are not listed in my town.

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  26. Wow what a gem!

    So glad i've stumbled across this post Hayley!
    I love your style & sass in your penmanship!

    Imagine my surprise when i went to follow you on tumblr and discovered you use the same theme layout 'Art She Said' xD

    Keep on posting! xx

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  27. Omg! I love this!! Pleaaaaaaase tell me this place is still thriving?!

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  28. Can't believe I lived in Enmore for 8+ years and never knew about this place! Thanks for sharing.
    By the way if you are still looking for elbow patches, Recycled Fashion recently posted about some options in that regard: http://www.recycled-fashion.com/2012/11/vintage-patch-giveaway.html

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  29. Is this the warehouse at summerhill where you buy by the kg ($8.00)? or in the shop itself?

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  30. Is this the warehouse at summerhill where you buy by the kg ($8.00)? or in the shop itself?

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  32. Loving the photos! If I may recommend for op shop and vintage clothing online in Australia, have a look at OpShop.com.au a free online classified website that supports your local op shop. All sots of great vintage can be found there such as vintage dresses, vintage posters for sale, and even a good old vintage typewriter or two.

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  33. Love your work can't wait to go out to check out a couple of its Bondi stores or even might take a trip to Melbourne cause there would be more to choose from thank you for your tips I am a winner just reading your page op shops rule :) $$$$

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