I am an inveterate opshopper, a talented thrifter and a bargain hunter extraordinaire.  My little village is blessed with an abundance of vintage boutiques, markets, second hand stores and op shops.  They run the gamut from a bit stinky and requiring a good rummage through, to well edited boutique-style op shops.

I don’t mind a good rummage every now and then, but I’d much rather spend my time in bright, cheery op shops where the hard work has been done for me.  It’s always fun to find something fabulous in the middle of a pile of manky stuff, but it’s infinitely more fun to quickly scan well edited rails for a particular item I’m looking for.

I love op shopping for the bargain potential, the thrill of the chase because you never know what you’ll find, and because  it makes me feel good!  Not only am I helping raise money for a worthy charity but saving clothes from being churned into landfill.  It also fits fabulously into my life mantra of Never Pay Retail!

 

 

Let me introduce my favourite, the Rozelle Red Cross.  It’s well placed near cafes, patisseries and a primary school.  There’s a fab retro section, designer rack, shoes and accessories, and even a men’s section.  You can pick up books and they’re even in partnership with a local artist who displays her artwork on the walls.

 

 

The Rozelle Red Cross store has recently revitalised itself by employing a  young and funky store manager, the lovely Roxy.  She’s bright and cheery, has a great eye for fashion, and is truly dedicated to the op shop lifestyle!  I’m always complimenting her on her outfits and she tells me “Oh, I got this from an op shop!”.

I recently asked her if I could feature Rozelle Red Cross in regular blog posts.  I was so pleased when she agreed!  My plan is to pop in every couple of weeks, snap some pics of some fab pieces they have in stock, and feature them on kimbalikes.com.  You might not be able to get your hands on those particular pieces, but it might inspire more people to go and check out their local op shops!

 

 

I’d absolutely love it if some of my fellow bloggers would like to join in with me by linking up posts about what they found In Store Now at their local Red Cross or op shop!  Please let me know if you’re interested in this concept and would like to link up with me, and I’ll get it underway.  I’ve already made a button so fingers crossed!

Now enough of the chit chat, let’s get on with my picks!

 

 

I love these fabulous Country Road suede heels.  In fantastic condition and under $40.  So much so that they came home with me!

 

 

These fabulous Nude shoes are brand new, never worn and if they were a 39 and not a 41, I’d be very tempted!  Perfect ladylike wearable heels and only $49.95.

 

 

This is the piece de resistance of my finds this week – a genuine Armani jacket.  It’s gorgeous, in perfect condition and priced at $89.95.  I will be very surprised if this one does not walk out of the store this weekend, making someone a very happy girl!  This one got the Crashing Red seal of approval!

 

 

Go and check out Red Cross online.  You can search for your local store and find out how to donate your goods and volunteer your time.  The Red Cross Blood Service is running dangerously low at the moment, if you’re able to donate blood.

 

 

Rozelle Red Cross participates in the Country Road Fashion Trade with Red Cross stores.  Just include one preloved Country Road item in your next Red Cross donation, and they’ll give you a $10 discount card to put towards your next $50 or more purchase from Country Road.  How good is that!

Are you an opshopper like me?  I’d love to hear about your adventures!