One random Tuesday I drove past my local vinnies and saw in the window the cutest vintage-looking wedding dress that was silk with long sleeves. The mannequin was on an angle to reveal the amazing back that hung low with gorgeous pearls hanging from it. It looked like it was straight out of The Great Gatsby.
It was old hollywood glam and completely unique, not something you would come across in Cosmo Bride. Full disclosure: I am not engaged, and even though I am in a long term relationship, it’s not something I really think about.
I wasn’t one of those girls who grew up dreaming of their wedding day, in fact until this day I had never even thought of what kind of dress I would want.

There was something about this dress though that made me keep thinking about it. Could I go and buy it just in case?
I feel like that crosses the 'cray-cray' line a little too much for my liking, but it did make me think that if or when I get engaged, I am sure there are so many gorgeous gowns in op shops all over Australia just waiting to be worn.
I have always been an avid op shopper and so are some of my friends. It does, however, seem to divide people. My friend said she was scared to op shop because she didn’t know if someone had died in those clothes. I told her I think I’m pretty safe in my Country Road leopard print top, but she still isn’t convinced. Another one said she hates the smell of op shops.
Then there are my fellow op shopper friends like my friend Helen, who will spend hours with me scouring every nook and cranny and share my joy in a great find. Of course, the irony is she works in fashion!
So when I told my girlfriends about the dream dress I was shocked at their reaction.
Collectively they all agreed that you cannot, under any condition, wear a second hand wedding dress.
'Why?' I asked.
They all agreed it was a 'bad omen'.
Top Comments
Married 38 yrs... My dress was second hand and cheap as chips... It's not the dress that makes or breaks a marriage ... it's the hard work and tolerance you put in over the years ...
I gave my wedding dress away, and it was no indication of the health of my marriage. We are still going strong after 18 years.
The person I gave it to didn't fair so well in her marriage, but I tend to think that was more a result the ongoing conflict between her and her husband, than the dress she received from me secondhand.