Home sustainable #OpShopDiaries: 10 Summer Dresses from Vinnies Shop Warragul

#OpShopDiaries: 10 Summer Dresses from Vinnies Shop Warragul

Once new but forever loved!

White thousands of retail shops are battering from COVID-19, op-shopping is booming!

After months of isolation and clearing out many closets and decluttering many storage spaces, all these unwanted items go to many op-shops.

Many op-shoppers (like moi) have never been happier diligently taking our time on every clothing racks for our new treasures. As I’ve mentioned from my previous op-shopping diary, the beauty of op-shopping is being stylish without spending your whole month salary, and the proceeds also helping many underprivileged Australians especially during these tough times.

Many op-shops are been closed since the lockdown and only a few continue their operation. And since Victoria State finally re-opened during the first week of June, many op-shops re-opened as well with piles of arriving donations knocking of their doors every day, and it is a great moment for the stores and op-shoppers. Op shops are getting busier than ever, but still observing social distancing as part of the new normal.

Since the Philippines are celebrating its summer season, and I am here in Australia contemplating this winter season, I would like to share with you my recent finds from my favorite op-shop Vinnies Shop here in Warragul, Victoria.

Note that these pieces are once new and previously loved, but now I am happily flaunting them as they find its new home. Each piece’s costs AUD$3.00 to AUD$8.00

10 Summer Outfits I got from Vinnies Shop Warragul

White always looks good during summer, so when I found this dress (with original label and tags still on!) I did not think twice to get it. This dress costs AUD$7.00 from Vinnies and a great deal considering it is made of good quality fabric, and I love the silhouette. The shoes I’m wearing above is also from op-shop (I think original it is from Target), and I got it for AUD$3.00.

Op-Shop Price: AUD$7.00

This is another favorite! I like the peach color with delicate lace on top of the fabric and the silhouette looks great. My Dada said I looked like I’m going for a tea party 😊 The shoes are from YesStyle (not op-shop!)

Op-shop Price: AUD$7.00

Ever since I moved to Victoria, I learned this valuable lesson: Always bring one warm clothes with you. Thus, having a jumper (or sweater) is a must! Victorian weather is very unpredictable, you wake-up one day with a beautiful blue sky and Mr. Sun greeting with a smile, then during noon time Mrs. Gloomy Weather decided to visit Warragul and shower us her tears from her previous heartbreak. And by the way, even it is a sunny day here I always feel a bit cold.

Op Shop Prices: Jumper AUD$6.00 / Sleeveless top AUD$2.00 / Denim shorts AUD$3.00

This yellow dress scream sunshine! I love how free-flowing the fabric is, no need for ironing. I never regret bringing this dress from our short trip to Fiji last March. Did I mention about ruffles?! Oh, I love it so much. This dress looks luxurious and I am so happy that I got it at an op-shop price. Sometimes you should not neglect to check those rack in the most corner coz that’s where the treasure sits.

BTW, this dress inspires me to create a DIY replicate. I can’t wait for my next sewing project.

Op-Shop Price: AUD$8.00

I’ve been meaning to buy that UNIQLO denim dress shirt for so long since the first time I saw it back in the Philippines years ago, but I don’t have the heart to spend AUD$49.00 for this dress. But when this exact dress shirt landed in the clothing racks of Vinnies, oh boy I took it without blinking twice! It is extremely comfortable, exactly right in my size including those white sneakers.

Op-shop Price: UNIQLO dress shirt AUD$8.00 / White sneakers AUD$5.00

This nautical-inspired dress (unknown label) is so comfortable and I am glad that I got it. These photos were taken during our weekend morning drive to Inverloch beach for a little fishing trip. Now that it is open after a month of lockdown, Victorians fishing aficionados are celebrating. And of course, their dogs too, coz this place is a dog-friendly place and they could place leash-free.

Op-Shop Price: Dress AUD$6.00 / Shoes AUD$3.00

In my previous blog post, I had mentioned my love about good quality pajamas and how I also used some of them during my trips. Pajamas specially made of good fabric like satin are perfect airport outfit. Just pair it with a coat, and voila! This printed pajama pair and trench coat from ZARA are one of my favorites from my op-shop hunting.

Op-Shop Price: Printed Pajama AUD$4.00 / ZARA Trench Coat AUD$8.00

Here’s another satin pajama that I’ve got from Vinnies Shop Warragul. I surprisingly found this when I checked the discounted section. It doesn’t have a label; however, I love the puppy prints!

Op-Shop Price: Satin Pajama AUD$3.00

Op shops are also a good place to find vintage accessories too! I have found this vintage style gold earrings, and pearl-studded necklaces, including those two charming bracelets all from Vinnies Warragul. See, I can still look rich and fabulous without spending a huge chunk of my credit card!

Op Shop Price: earrings, necklace, and bracelets all AUD$2.00 each.

And when the weather feels quite hot, then it is nice to wear a dress. This bodycon-inspired dress is made of denim-type of fabric and printed with florals, one of my favorite purchases.

Op-Shop Price: Dress AUD$7.00

We all know that fashion is a million-dollar industry and the second largest polluting industry after the oil and gas industry and contributes 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon toward greenhouse gas emissions every year. Just here in Australia, every 10 minutes around 6 tons of clothing goes to Aussie landfills. It is utterly ridiculous to imagine how these clothes are made and just being dumped on landfills after someone doesn’t want it anymore.

Luckily, many op-shops are here to take over those unwanted clothes, including homewares, books, furniture, etc., so that others could appreciate them and find its new home.

Now, who said that you can never be stylish without spending? Those who say so do not know WHERE to shop WISELY.

I am now proud to say that charity shopping is the new hobby that I would never give up anytime soon.