In the spirit of generosity (and safe in the knowledge that only a very few people will ever brave the incredible un-coolness of Palmy) I am sharing one of my deepest secrets, The Second Hand Hot Spots of PN.

Looking for a red teddy for your interview at Roxanne’s?

Need something to spice up ‘business time?’

Haven’t got a spare 200 bucks to slap down at Farmers?

Then look no further than The Arohanui Hospice.

Here, for a mere $5.99 you can become the proud the second owner of a corseted bustier and a pair of lace up panties.

This spectacular duo in hooker red will have the madam begging you to caress the pole with your inner thighs and your partner counting the minutes till hump day. Guaranteed GOOD TIMES.

1.    Arohanui Hospice.

      Over all: This is an op-shop for someone who enjoys the thrill of  bargain hunting but doesn’t have the time or desire to be seen rummaging around in the clothing bins.  This well appointed shop comes complete with a special ‘ Designer’ rack where labels like Sass and Bide sit shoulder to hip with Ezibuy and Glasson’s.  Finding what you want is  a breeze as clothing is both colour coded and grouped by style. Oh, and they do a good line in pet blankets – only 2 bucks.

Highlights: A very nicely displayed home wears section,  and a commitment to providing ‘ art’ at affordable prices

A side profile of someone you have never met before…. Anyone…. Anyone?

Whiff factor:  This place has only a very faint aroma of old farts.

Scores: I bagged a tasteful cream pleated skirt and matching petticoat for $4.50.

Causes: In terms of causes this is a good one. No- one wants to die a slow and painful death so any money we can give to ease that kind of pain is money well spent.

2.    Salvation Army

Overall.  Bibles are free in this warehouse of the second hand goods!

God’s Army moves units. … The big budget marketing slogan  ‘Donate your used goods now!’ means they get the prince’s share of  Palmy’s preloved treasure, which means …..Variety with a capital V.

Highlights:  The beaten up brown leather lounge suite of my dreams and the kids play area of Dashkin’s. Why more shops don’t have these is a mystery to me.

Scores: A white Russian peasant blouse. (Ross thinks it is ridiculous but I’m convinced I look ten years younger in it.)

Whiff factors: Clean and fresh- ish.

Causes:  I’m a pacifist so…………

3.    St Vincent de Paul

Overall: Rummage, rummage, rummage! This old school op shop is staffed by  lovely grey haired ladies who like nothing better than having a cuppa and a good gossip about their husbands. The day I visited I overheard a fascinatingly suburban conversation around John’s bowls score, how much softer Howard’s vegies  need to be since his dentures have been playing up and that the Gollywog’s  Beryl knits have been “flying out the door”.

If you’re after a fleecy jerkin, this is the place for you.  If your keen for some extra around the farm clothes you wont be disappointed. They often have ‘fill a bag for $2’  days, but personally I’d struggle to find things to stuff into it.

Highlights: A spectacular faux Chanel suit.  I swooped on it, tried it on and realised it had been tailor made for Dolly Parton.

Whiff factor: A good fart.

Scores: A dull blue ‘50’s style raincoat for 50 cents. Practical.

Cause: Vincentians work to promote human dignity and justice through personal contact with those in need.  Sounds pretty good to me.

4.    Red Cross

Overall: Pricey-but with a higher quality of second hand goods.  It’s colour coded, it’s clean and  has varying the opening hours.

Highlights: Spectacular selection of gentlemen’s ties and a mug for every day of the year.

Whiff Factor: Daisy fresh.

Scores: A hand knitted angora baby hat, vintage crystal vases and a banging leotard.

Cause: Helping sick people in hideous situations. I’m happy to part with some of my hard earned cash.

And, before you ask, no,  I am not on the pay role of Tourism Palmy.

I’m just spreading some pre loved love.