As an add-on to Hammahorror's Oppie thread. I though it worth a thread of it's own:
First family loves an op shop bargain, PM's wife Margie Abbott reveals
It's amazing what you can pick up at the op shop - and you might even bump into the prime minister's wife.
Margie Abbott revealed herself on Saturday as something of a second-hand rose as she lent her support to National Op Shop Week at the Salvos store in Manly.
"Op shopping is something that the Abbott family has enjoyed for many years, and may I say, we do it very well," she said.
"Whether it's for clothing, books, household items or resources as an early childhood educator, op shopping is the first port of call.
"When our daughters were young, and even now as young women who are earning their own income, they quickly realised that the buying power of their money was far greater in an op shop than it was anywhere else."
The scarf she was wearing was a recent purchase from a local northern beaches op shop, she said, and her very first op shop purchase more than 20 years ago (a jacket with a slight Mexican flavour) was still in her wardrobe.
"The old adage that one person's trash is someone else's treasure was never truer," she said. "Particularly in this era of the so-called throw-away society where too often it is easier to dispose of something than to have it fixed.
"You only need to drive around our local streets to see the array of household goods, many still in very good condition, that have been put out on nature strips for council pick-ups. Unfortunately these items will be turned into landfill."
Mrs Abbott had brought along two Mediterranean-style serving platters to donate to the good cause, describing them as "not quite wedding presents, but almost".
Before disappearing among the racks of clothes, she said op shopping could become a treasure hunt or something of an Aladdin's Cave experience.
She said she no longer bought for her three daughters because their tastes were different.
Asked how her husband had coped with issues relating to the loss of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, she said: "It was tough, but tougher for the Australians who have lost family and friends."
Perhaps with an eye for the label she quickly scooped up an Abercrombie and Fitch shirt in red and white stripes ($15), a spotty blouse and a dress. Total price: $42.
Then it was over to the children's books for some titles for the childcare centre she manages.
Among the adult books was a copy of Blanche d'Alpuget's biography Robert Hawke, which Fairfax helpfully offered to the first lady.
"We have that, so nice try," she responded.
As she left, she told staff: "I will tell Tony if he can grab five minutes he needs to come in here and buy himself a couple of new shirts."
"she said op shopping could become a treasure hunt or something of an Aladdin's Cave experience."
That's exactly how it is for me.
