Successful Op-Shopping (Part One)

Does this sound familiar to you:
"Where did you get that dress, it's lovely!"
"Salvos on Sir Donald Bradman Drive, $3.50 half price ticket day"
"Oh I never find anything in opshops!!"

Take heed! Here is your guide to Successful Op-Shopping...

1. Check out Op Shop Style for an update on which shops are selling the goods
2. Pick half a day and someone you trust who isn't your size and/or doesn't share your taste but can appreciate it.
3. If you have been roped into an op shopping expedition, have fun with it. There is nothing worse than shopping with some one who isn't into it. They suck all the fun outta the place and you end up rushing through (see rule 8).
4. Work out which 3 op shops you'll hit. Have another 2 as a back up just in case you still have energy or there was a dud (this can happen, although it's rare if you follow my rules). Make sure they're all within a 10 minute drive of each other and be sure to check closing times. For a Saturday Op Shop-fest, I like to start with a Save the Children (closes at 12pm) and end on a Salvos (closes at 5pm).
5. Plan coffee and lunch breaks to ensure hunger doesn't dampen your momentum. An expedition like this requires a high level of commitment and caffeine.
6. Wear slip on shoes, easily removable skirt or pants, a fitted top and a jumper or jacket you can carry comfortably without compromising clothes-carrying ability. A satchel is the best bag, or a roomy green bag. You can stuff things in and hang clothes on it so you can keep your hands free for the important stuff.
7. Have a vague idea of what you are looking for, so you have a starting point. If you go in blind you'll be overwhelmed (especially in somewhere like Savers) and end up flicking through the $1 rack at the front, have your spirits dampened and head home in a sulk.
8. Take your time. I'm talking at least an hour per shop (2 hours for Savers). Start on one rack, such as dresses, and pick through each item. Like it? Pull it out for further inspection later (Rule 12), and carry on until you are weighed down by a mass of cut and fabric. Look at least 2 sizes above your own and 2 below. If your tiny, your 2 sizes below will include the kids section.
9. Shoes. This is a contentious issue. They almost deserve their own list of rules, but let me just say this: they must fit, the heel must be in good condition, and you must be able to clean the inside thoroughly enough that you don't get the creeps every time you go to put them on. 
10. Underwear/swimwear. Unless it's a vintage slip or swimwear that still has the tags on (or that little vag-sticker), don't go there.

A favourite Goodwill Goolwa purchase

Coming soon... Successful Op Shopping Part 2: Is the jeans dance enough, or should I just put the size 10 Levis back?