It's not fantastic for clothes, at least, the kinds of clothes I like to wear…read more However, the strong point of this little gem of an op shop is the weakest point of countless others. It is accessories heaven. They've got such an extravagant collection of scarves that I felt I could make a custom wish and I'd probably find it. Three big baskets of belts. Straw hats, felt hats, beanies, fedoras, XXXX caps, gardening hats and about five of each. Clip on earrings. A pin board full of real earrings. Necklaces and bracelets made of wooden beads, plastic beads, sea shells, silver, gold and everything in between. Shoes, oh my god, shoes. Bags! Argh! Then there's the craft section. Holy dooley. Wool! My favourite op shop find. Big baskets of patterns, and abandoned cross stitch projects. Mountains of manchester. What's more, is that while I was browsing, an older woman was beginning to weigh herself down with all the treats she'd found (she happened to quite like the clothes). "But I can't afford them all, I can't. I just can't. I've got too many bills to pay" in a delightfully rich european accent. "Oh, yes you can. Look at this one. Let's say $1. And this, 50c. And these ones, yeah, you can have them for $1 each too. How's that?" says the shop keeper in her friendliest voice. She had reduced each item by at least $3- $5. The older lady reached out her hand to the shop keeper and nodded slightly in agreement. I nodded slightly too. The older woman paid $4.50 for her treasures and placed the shop keepers hand in between her own and gave thanks. It made my experience at Stafford Vinnies a memorable one. I even went back later that day for another scrounging I enjoyed it so much the first time.

Ah Bargain City. It'd have to be one of my favourite shit shops. They got me in with $7 2kg packs…read moreof Radiant (I love that smell) and kept me with discount party goods, craft supplies and pet stuff. I HATE throwing a party and spending a fortune on dinky plastic plates and tiny cups. It's all half the price here (at least) and for $2.50 you get 20 giant cups which won't annoy any of your guests. I also don't see why I should have to spend big bucks on wood glue or other random crafty stuff (looking at you Spotlight, you make it cheaper to buy it already made) so I'm always pretty happy when I need to duck in here. Yes it's a shit shop, so yes there's plenty of shit to wade through (knee high concrete lawn ornaments anyone?) but if you're a student furnishing your house or just a cheap skate like me there's plenty of bargains to be found.