Fair@Square fashion show and festival

If you're wondering where I've been, I am putting a fashion show on for Fair@Square festival this Friday so have not had time to get to the op shops! I know it's not exactly op shopping, but I think most of you are eco-minded and might enjoy the show, some of the clothes and accessories are made of second hand things, so there is at least a bit of a link to op shopping!
If you want to buy tickets there are still some available here. The festival is on at Fed Square this weekend and will have all sorts of fair trade and eco-friendly gifts, plus talks and activities. And even if you don't buy anything, if you have old crappy makeup you want to get rid of in a responsible manner, bring it to the festival and the lovely folk at Adorn will help you detox!
Hopefully I'll be back with some op shop posting in the near future when things have calmed down. See you at the festival?

Hey there! 

I went to Spain for a while but am back in Melbourne and hoping to post here more!

These are my little collection of kitchen goods (egg cups and salt & pepper shakers) found at a variety of op shops.

Cheers, Laura

Three opshop visits today.

I had to drive over to Lilydale today, to deliver some craft stuff to the Showgrounds. Driving back through the town along the highway, I noticed two opshops, and having time to spare before I started work at the BSL in Eltham, I decided to check out the opposition! Both shops were large, clean, and had a large variety of lovely stock. At Vinnies, I spent $5 on a skirt (Black Pepper) and $7 on a set of Aussie pubs placemats - what a bargain! They are as good as new.

A few doors up, I spent $6.50 at the Salvos.
One magazine for 50 cents.

A complete box of oil paints, never used by the look of them - $6.

Back at the Brotherhood in Eltham for the afternoon's work, I had a quick look around and found these.
A belt rack hanger for Ken's belts. They are all over the floor at the moment.

Sretch pants (Millers) for $4.50. They are more of a terracotta colour than the red in this photo.

Stunning peacock brooch - $15. I thought this was far too expensive, but the lady who prices the jewellery that comes into our opshop must think she works in an antique shop sometimes; her prices are way too high. But I love peacocks, so I had to have it. I do get a discount though.

A boxed Calligraphy set - $1. Super bargain!! There were extra tubes of inks in it which was why I bought it. I've got more fountain pens than you could poke a stick at, but I had run out of those ink tubes.

Lions Trash and Treasure Sale

Blackburn North Lions Club's next trash and treasure sale will be held on:

Saturday, 19 November 2011 this will be the last sale for the year.

Same time: 8am to 1pm

Same place: 1st Vermont Scout Hall, located near the corner of Canterbury Rd and Mitcham Rd, Vermont.

Hope to see you there.

Salvos Kew

image via

Does everyone already know that there is a Salvos store opening in Kew, in the old Retravision store?

Well, there is. Which will make the op shopping route down High st just that little more brilliant! Yay!

The Brotherhood helps you look luxe – for less

You don’t need to blow your budget to look amazing during this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s chief stylist has put together a stunning collection of race day looks, using garments and accessories sourced exclusively from the organisation’s 24 Community Stores or “op shops” and Hunter Gatherer vintage fashion outlets. As well as being totally fabulous, every outfit is supremely wallet-friendly.

By ‘liking’ your favourite outfit on the Brotherhood’s Facebook page before 15 November, you’ll get some racy inspiration for your day at the track as well as go into the draw to win a $100 gift voucher to spend at a Brotherhood of St Laurence store.

Stylist and merchandiser Ariella Mata Luque says a Brotherhood store is the perfect place to unearth unique race day attire and accessories.

“If it’s accessories you need, our outlets are great for finding one-of-a-kind bags, hats, fascinators and jewellery – they can lift an existing outfit and really make it pop!”

“The Hunter Gather stores are flooded with vintage and retro items, which are really hot at the moment. You can walk in and walk out looking like a 1950s socialite in no time.”

The image gallery on the Brotherhood’s Facebook page showcases a variety of looks that will appeal to a range of tastes and age groups. They’re not only perfect for the races, but will carry over to many other occasions, such as Christmas parties.

“There is a vintage gold sequined dress which I model in one of the shots,” says Ariella. “I absolutely adore it - it’s fun yet classic, and completely individual. Wearing something like this, you’re guaranteed not to be caught in the same outfit as someone else at the track.”

According to Ariella, op-shopping for your race day outfit is not only good for your hip pocket but also for your conscience.

“You’ll be doing your little bit for the environment by keeping perfectly good quality items out of landfill. And by shopping at a Brotherhood store, you’re helping the organisation fund its programs, services and advocacy which help disadvantaged and vulnerable Australians.”

Visit the Brotherhood’s Facebook page to view the gallery of pre-loved race day clothes and accessories.

I'm still here!

Just read Gina E's post from a little while ago wondering where everyone is... I am still around and have even been op shopping but just have not had time to get pics of my finds and manage a blog post about them! Also, I have discovered the joys of hard rubbish... does that kind of count as op shopping? If you want to see what I scored recently on a kerb crawl (plus one op shop find!), you can have a look here... and I also took part in National Swap Day, which I've posted about here.