I wore this ensemble to the Uniqlo’s Linen Launch Lunch last week. Had thought about donning a linen shirt to it but I thought it’d be too cliché, so was stoked to find this vintage top and brooch in the local op shop moments before the event. Who ever said that ‘blue and green should never be seen’ obviously haven’t set eyes on this sweater.

Vintage Top & Accessories // Estelle Dévé Cuff // Karen Millen Jeans // Bared Parrot Brogues

I often get asked about tips for op-shop shopping. Having been an avid raider of op-shops since I was 10, I do have a few up my sleeve. Here are my top 3:

1. Be inspired. Before setting foot in the wonderful world of second hand bliss, get visual inspiration, have some idea of what you need/want, otherwise it can be bewildering. For clothes, I like to flip through magazines, check out Moda Operandi or Net-a-Porter for the latest looks/pieces/trends so that my selections update my wardrobe rather than date it.

2. Be prepared. Bring cash because some opshops don’t take plastic. Bring a tote because some opshops don’t give away bags for free. Bring a smile. You will brighten the day for the volunteers, and even better, they may give you a discount if you chat with them :) Bring a list of things that you need so you don’t get too side-tracked.. Or get side-tracked, because that’s the beauty of op-shopping, you just never know what you may find!

3. Be thorough. To find gems in the opshop, you need time, and patience. You never know what treasures you’ll find unless you comb through every rack/shelf/window/basket/cabinet/drawer/stash. And when you find something that catches your eye, double check that it’s not too damaged/ill-fitting/inappropriate. There is a reason why that item is in the op-shop! Some holes/rips/stains/missing buttons can be fixed, but some faults cannot. And finally, thoroughly enjoy yourself! Even if you don’t get anything, the experience can still be enriching.

But do you know who the best op-shopper is? God! He scours the earth to find the broken, the discarded, and the rejected. He lovingly redeems and restores us so that we can reflect His glory. He is the Great Opshopper who is willing to pay the ultimate price for ‘trash’ and turn it into treasure. He bypasses the fancy, shiny new stuff on the high street. Instead, He chooses someone weak and lowly like me to be welcomed into His family, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Plus, He made me to be unique! I am so grateful that He inspires me, was prepared to pay for my sins, and is thorough with every detail of my life.