WAIST NOT, WANT NOT (WAIST. GET IT? GET IT?)

WHEN you are an op-shopper you have to have an open mind. Sometimes the treasures you're hunting aren't going to slap you in ...

WHEN you are an op-shopper you have to have an open mind. Sometimes the treasures you're hunting aren't going to slap you in the face or wave you down. There are treasures that are more subtle. They wait on the racks and the shelves for you to flush them out. They're coy, those op-shop treasures.

One treasure I almost passed up was this George Gross skirt, most likely from the 1980s or early 1990s. I liked the colours and the print but I am not a size 10 - well actually I am by today's standards, but by 1980s fittings, not even close. Check it out. That waist measurement says 60cm. If you have a size 60cm waist, well done you, but I am guessing the modern clothing you wear is a size 4, right?

Anyhoot, long story short, the skirt didn't fit. 

Now hang on one darn minute there, what else is there to like about this skirt? It's the fabric. Not just the colour and print but the actual feel and texture of it. See that extra label in the third photo? The one right where my thumb is. It says 100 per cent silk, baby. Silk slub. Oh yeah.

OK. $6 for a silk skirt that doesn't fit is still $6 wasted if I can't wear it, right? Wrong. Like a number of my more discerning op-shop buys this one came home with me and to be whipped into a soft summer tank. There's enough fabric for that and a little bit besides to fashion into sweet pouches for Christmas favours - most likely lavender bags.

I have no idea what the cost of silk is to buy retail but I know I have a lovely piece of fabric to make into a beautiful and individual piece of clothing. Silk tops, I know, go for a pretty penny, so I've saved myself there and supported the good work of Vinnies at the same time. 

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