National Op Shop Week - Featuring Tara Howell

As we celebrate National Op Shop Week in Mission Shops across the north and north west, we caught up with a few local identities to talk about all things ‘Op Shop’.

Regarded as a marketing guru and recognised as a highly successful entrepreneur, Tara Howell is a Director at one of Launceston’s leading architecture, design and marketing agencies and co-owner of the Blue Derby Pods Ride.

Tara took a quick break to chat with us recently. Relaxing on an ultra-comfy couch occupying S. Group office space, we couldn't help but notice her love of combining old and new, evident in her choice of outfit. An avid op shopper since her Uni days, Tara still frequents our local shops.

Q 1. Tell us about your outfit?

" I’m wearing one of my favourite jackets, purchased from a local op shop for $6. It’s a good quality jacket that’s versatile, I can wear it for work or on weekends. I chose the grey top I’m wearing, also from an op shop, because it says, ‘Stay Positive’, which fits my mantra perfectly”!

Q 2. “When did you first develop a love of op shopping”?

“I started around 10 years ago and it’s something I still do regularly. While I do buy a lot of clothes, my house is also full of op shop bargains. Our crockery cupboards and cutlery draws are a mix of new and second hand eclectic pieces. My husband and I are building a new house but we don't want to fill it with brand new furniture, we're constantly on the lookout for cool pieces of furniture to add to our collection”.

Q 3. What is your top op shopping tip?

“In my experience, when you’re buying clothes, you need to try before you buy. Op shopping is different than buying off the rack. Sizing is more generic in larger retail stores, op shop labels are more unique with a larger size variation. Without trying things on, you can’t be sure it’s going to fit, and if it doesn’t fit, it’s definitely not a bargain”!