Australian Members

Prof. B. Bear · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by tone76

This has been true in my experience as well. Sometimes it's the smaller local charity shops in affluent areas, or near certain precincts, that yield the best hauls. Last week, I scored a Zegna tie for $1 from an op shop near Adelaide's legal precinct. From the same op shop, I also scored a couple of other nice pure silk French ties ('Axe Mod') for $1 each - what grabbed my attention is just how much they resembled Hermes ties. They also had a decent range of shirts (TML, CT), none of which were in my size ... but the Zara I picked up for $7 fits nicely. Adelaide lawyers know how to dress and obviously don't mind purging their wardrobes now and then.

The Salvos can be hit and miss, although I think the larger ones in better areas are worth a punt. I almost bought a Zegna sports coat from a local Salvos for $19, but then I realised it wasn't going to fit.

In hindsight, I wish I'd bought it just to flip.

Once you know what to look for, there's more out there in Op Shop land than you think.

I live in Adelaide's legal precinct and the only op shop I know about is on Hindley st..

tone76 · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by Prof. B. Bear

I live in Adelaide's legal precinct and the only op shop I know about is on Hindley st..
Think more along the lines of near the Courts. Well, down one of the streets that runs near the Courts (Carrington St). (and welcome, fellow Adelaidian!)

meister · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by California Dreamer

My best find there was a Brioni suit for $80. Elsewhere I found a pure cashmere Hermes jacket for $50.

Sorry I'll have to trump you. I got a Brioni for AUD50 at Lifeline.

California Dreamer · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by tone76

In hindsight, I wish I'd bought it just to flip.

Once you know what to look for, there's more out there in Op Shop land than you think.

Flipping is a bit weird too. I've had the devil's own trouble flipping nice stuff like Kiton and C&J - Aussies just don't know these brands. My best luck has been flipping the stuff we wouldn't want but the punters love - Boss, Armani Collezione, etc. No accounting for taste, I guess.

ginlimetonic · Jun 19, 2011

Why isn't there a quality rtw store in westfield pitt st sydney.. Brooks, zegna, kiton etc. Things suck here so much I'm going on B&S

JTA · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by ginlimetonic

Why isn't there a quality rtw store in westfield pitt st sydney.. Brooks, zegna, kiton etc. Things suck here so much I'm going on B&S

Harrods is carrying high end RTW brands.

__PG__ · Jun 19, 2011

Is there a reason why no-one in Sydney goes to http://www.voi.com.au/ ? I dropped in while I was in visiting Sydney in October. It seems to have some good brands (Canali, Zegna, Lucianio Barbera) at reasonable prices.

Selvaggio · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by __PG__

Is there a reason why no-one in Sydney goes to http://www.voi.com.au/ ?

I dropped in while I was in visiting Sydney in October. It seems to have some good brands (Canali, Zegna, Lucianio Barbera) at reasonable prices.

I go there sometimes and mentioned it here - but there was some negativity. Sure there is a bit of Euro-tat, but it can be good value when their stuff is on sale and you stick to the basics. The quality can be very good, but the styles may be a bit dated. Their Babera trousers are a good deal and I have bought some nice ties there (Ballantyne cashmere).

Geoffrey Firmin · Jun 19, 2011

Originally Posted by California Dreamer

If I have a "secret" it's that I think about where the shop is located and the catchment area for their donations. Brunswick is a nice area, but what sorts of clothes are its denizens going to donate? It's unlikely you'll find top iGent brands in that area; maybe more S&D. I think about things such as the wealth of people living in the area and their lifestyles. (IMO young families are far less likely to chuck out good stuff than executives and retirees). It's not all gloom; if you keep hunting you will find good stuff at the kind of prices they pay. I've found Canali (twice), Corneliani, Cantarelli and Chester Barrie suits for under $30, for example. If you get lucky at Salvos, you might even find it on one of their half-off days. I picked up a Valentino tie for fifty cents that way. Sorry to ramble; you hit upon a passion of mine.

A friend of mine, who is a primary school teacher lives in Mosman and he buys virtually all his clothing, Herringbone, CR(so tragic) Ted Baker, PRL at the local St Vinnies shop. The Salvos used to have a great store in Chatswood called the White Elephant I picked up a couple of David Lawrence leather jackets, cut in a sports coat style which the wife uses. And your right about the socio economics of the area contributing to what stock they have. The more affluent suburbs have better charity shops in general. Mind you every time I walk into one they have the odd Harris Tweed jacket but never in my size!

JSSM · Jun 19, 2011

Thoughts on online suppliers (inc mtm) for coats & jackets? I'd prefer not to pay aussie retail (and there's not much at this end of sales). I also don't have much luck finding a variety of quality, slim fitting clothes. I'd be looking for something like HB, but possibly a touch more snug (it's a good fit, but needs waist suppression).

TheWraith · Jun 19, 2011

Check out Pernac, Barrington Ayre or Tomas Soliz if you're interested in online MTM. Pernac has a local measuring service in most Australian capital cities, though if you want horn buttons, you'll need to supply your own.

jaac · Jun 20, 2011

Anyone know any good shoe guys in canberra? need some resole stuff done.

elvish · Jun 20, 2011

Originally Posted by jaac

Anyone know any good shoe guys in canberra? need some resole stuff done.

this thread is turning into a merry go round.

jobro · Jun 20, 2011

Originally Posted by jaac

Anyone know any good shoe guys in canberra? need some resole stuff done.

Originally Posted by elvish

this thread is turning into a merry go round.

Yes, use the search function.

http://www.styleforum.net/search.php?searchid=10713710

Tano · Jun 20, 2011

The brooks brothers sale is on now. I had everything waiting in my cart for nearly 6 months. I now realize I should have bought during the family and friends 30% sale. Some of my items are 25% off.

Australian Members

Senior Member

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: