Following my recent post about the art of op shopping, I’ve decided to occasionally feature key op shops that I either find on my travels or are among my favourites.

I can’t think of a better op shop to launch this idea than this great dame at 16 Latrobe Terrace in Paddington.

This Paddington Vinnies is found in the stunning and heritage-listed (I’m led to believe) Foresters Hall.

This store has become one of my favourites because it hasn’t followed other op shops in trendy suburbs in Brisbane by becoming either too wanky, too expensive or (and this is happening too much) full of brands and labels that companies have got rid of because they’re not sold at retail.

While the latter is OK, it’s not OK to put in an op shop then only charge $5 less than what it sold three seasons ago in retail.

This Vinnies is set in an old-style community hall with two levels.  And at all times it’s packed to the brim of goodies. From modern pieces to shoes, bags, furniture, kitchen items and even a disco ball hanging right in the centre of the old hall.

Then you come to the back end (on second tier up stairs) where you find the vintage and retro section, which, in my opinon, has to be one of the best in Brisbane to date.

Here you will find moderately priced items, such as formal wear, shirts, skirts and even leather jackets, from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and some from the ’90s. I have found a retro pair of Levi’s and an old knee-length red leather jacket from the ’70s in this section for only $20. The dry cleaning cost me more!

This area also has a section dedicated to beautiful pieces that the savvy volunteers know are a good buy. For example, last time I went I took my beautiful friend Naomi and we found her a Charlie Brown silk cocktail dress (from last season) hanging on the hanger. This dress – still with new tags of $398 – was selling just for$12! That’s right, it had never been worn and it still had tags on the dress.

Now that’s why I op shop. Not because I’m a tight arse (although there’s a little of that too I suppose) but because it’s the thrill of the find.

When we found that, we both felt like we had just won the ultimate of all lotteries. While I’ll never get my head around the idea of someone paying that retail price and then never wearing it, I’m secretly glad they do as otherwise I would never wear brands. Ha ha ha ha

Anyhow, back to the store. The back section is a treasure trove of vintage finds at reasonable prices.

Back near the counter and entry, you can take the narrow creaky steps up to the gallery, which overlooks the hall. Here you can also find funky evening wear and dress-ups including a masks, pirate vests, karate and Hawaiian fancy dress outfits.

It’s a shop that has never let me down. Give it a go.