I op therefore I am

This week at the BSL.

2012-01-28T01:50:00.000+11:00

Friday came around too quickly this week. I was so tired, after a busy day entertaining a dozen friends on Australia Day, but once I was in the shop, I forgot my fatigue, and got straight into checking out the new stock (when I wasn't looking after the customers).
I love anything that can be added to a bath - oils, bubbles, fizz bombs, etc. so when these fizz bombs turn up at the shop, they go into my stack of goodies to buy at the end of my stint. The single green bomb was 50c, the pack of three was $2.

As if I need any more shoes...talk about Imelda Marcos! But these suede shoes were soooooo comfortable, I left them on my feet for an hour after initially trying them on. $5.

These Australia Day hats were given away last year with one of the newspapers, but as I don't buy any papers, I didn't know about them. So when I discovered this for 50c, I grabbed it!

Nice piece of patchwork fabric for $3. I also bought a length of calico for $8 (no photo) and measured it when I got home - 6 yards of 56" width!

I don't know what the MOTH will make of this strappy little number; I've never owned anything like it before. But I love the colours, and when I tried it on, it was so cool and comfortable, it will be perfect to wear around the house and yard on a hot day. $5.

Another long skirt - I love them on a warm day too. $5.50.

Back at work!

2012-01-21T23:14:00.001+11:00

The Brotherhood Opshop re-opened for business last Monday, after a three week break, and it was bedlam. People poured in with donated goods, and equal numbers poured in to buy up the new goodies. I came home with this booty yesterday after working on the till for five hours straight.

Box of three fizzy bath bombs - 30 cents. Gorgeous bracelet, $5.

A really neat book about buttons! Not sure of the price, as it had just come in, and the manager included it in the overall price for all my goodies, for which I get a discount being a volunteer there.

Summer cotton nightie $3 (to replace some of my old ones which will go into the rag bag, not back to the opshop!)

Blouse for $1. We have a $1 rack outside the shop which holds all the things that have been in the shop for more than a month and not sold at a dearer price. Once they've been on the $1 rack for a month, they go into the rag bag. I'll never wear this shirt - it's way too small anyway, but I just LOVE the fabric - great for patchwork!

Ken Done print scarf, 50 cents. All our scarves are 50 cents. This looks like a Done print, but I'm not 100% sure, as it doesn't have his name on, and his products usually do.

Somebody must be throwing out their Kimmidoll Collection. Again, they had just been brought in, and the manager didn't say what she priced them at for me. The bigger one is a money box and the tiny one is just darned cute!
The other three "Matroyshka (??)" dolls (I can never remember the correct word!) were also unpriced.

I love this magazine, but never buy it in the shops for the full price. Not that it is expensive, but I stopped buying cooking magazines on a monthly basis because I ended up with too many. But when I saw all these in our magazine pile I grabbed them. Most of them will probably end up back at the BSL, but at least I will have had the opportunity to read them.

South Yarra Salvos

2012-01-21T18:33:00.002+11:00

Took a stroll along Chapel Street South Yarra last night and came across the new Salvo's, up the Windsor end. They've done a lot of work in fitting out the store and hand-picking the stock- this is a 'vintage clothing store' more than a traditional opshop. The prices are higher than at a normal oppy but less than what you'd pay at a non-charity vintage clothing store. There is a bit of furniture, bric-a-brac, homewares and a good selection of books. They also seem to receive a bit of product-overrun- I saw a large selection of decorator candles and a few beauty products.

Thought people might like to see some pictures so I quickly snapped some with the iPhone.

Cats, Dogs and Angry Birds

2012-01-20T22:45:00.010+11:00

The kids and I ventured to Richmond last week to visit the Salvos in Victoria Street. Needless to say, the kids loved this huge shed of an op shop (and I did too). Half of the store was taken up with furniture, with the remainder full of books, CDs, clothes, shoes, toys, kitchenware and wedding dresses!

And there were also cats, dogs and angry birds....

Here is Miss Seven's purchase - a new Fur Real talking, moving cat...

$3.99

Master Five chose an Angry Bird game, also still new in its box...

$5.99

And I found these great ornaments...

$6.97

$5.99

as well as heaps of other fabulous finds that will probably end up in my eBay store.

And did I mention that Miss Three chose a wine glass as her purchase of choice? I'm not sure about this one. A teddy bear might have been a better option, especially as the wine glass had broken within 24 hours of purchase (hence no photo).

Martha's Top Tips

1. Look out for items with a red pen through the price - these are 50% off.
2. If you go on a hot day, take your own fan - there is no air conditioning and it gets very hot.
3. Take your own carry bag - the Salvos no longer give out shopping bags to customers.

Salvos, 42 Victoria Street, Richmond (right near the train station)

First splurge for this year!

2012-01-16T19:01:00.000+11:00

I was in Mill Park today and couldn't help myself - had to stop off at Savers. I haven't been there for a couple of months, but I made up for it today!

I broke our coffee plunger while I was washing it last night, so the first thing I looked for at Savers was a replacement. There were a dozen different styles and sizes, but I liked this one for $2.99

Seeing I had a whole day to myself, I spent an hour checking out the shoes and came home with four pairs.

Top row - black shoes (Rivers - very comfortable) $9.99, black sandals $9.99,
bottom row - denim scuffs $6.99, tan leather sandals $7.99
If you are thinking they were expensive, let me tell you that my feet are swollen with arthritis, and I can go to six shoe shops and not find anything that fits me. So I'm happy to pay Savers for shoes that do fit!

Four plates and matching bowls 99 cents each. These are to be used when we eat outside on the patio which is brick paved. As much as I don't want to see them dropped and smashed, for 99 cents it is better to risk these than my 'good' kitchen set.

A couple of interesting books. The Art book ($3.99), is full of useful tips. The other book ($5.99)is a school text book of some kind, but it has some fascinating photos and documents in it relating to the English colonising Australia and the USA.

These cute lady bugs are hand worked in cross stitch - a bargain at $1.99.
The total was about $56, but being Monday, I qualified for 20% seniors discount, so got the lot for $46.40.

Op Shop Ball

2012-01-14T14:48:00.004+11:00

I hope that this is not considered too "off topic".

Found that perfect ball gown at an op shop - now looking for somewhere to wear it? How about to the Variety Op Shop Ball on March 31 at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne- all proceeds to charity. Details at the Variety website

Australian tea towels

2012-01-13T19:54:00.000+11:00

A few weeks ago I took at day trip to Ballarat,

which has 10 op shops!

A few were still closed for the holidays

but I managed to get to 5 of them.

I found these lovely linen Australian tea towels

that had never been used.

And this wicker plant stand which I was going to paint white

but the natural look has grown on me.

Cheers, laura

Manchester Sale at Salvos Dandenong South Today and Tomorrow

2012-01-11T10:13:00.003+11:00

For anyone in the Dandenong South area today or tomorrow, the Salvos in Lonsdale Street is having a half price sale on all its manchester. Happy shopping!

Knox BSL

2012-01-02T20:55:00.005+11:00

... is open again after having a facelift! I went just before Christmas and found yet another craft book for $2 (generic 70s craft, so have not bothered with a picture) and this Japanese silk scarf, also $2.

It is printed with old-style acrobats and performers:

Check out the musician sitting under the parasol... those super-long trousers were a fashion a few hundred years ago in Japan.

And as if tightrope walking were not tricky enough... this performer is doing it while wearing geta (wooden platform sandals)!

I hope this year is a great one for you and you find some fabulous things! I have another post coming up soon, but look forward to seeing your discoveries first!

My recent finds

2011-12-26T14:23:00.001+11:00

I've been a very slack poster - I think this is my second, even though almost all my clothes are from op-shops. Finding the time to sit down and post is a bit tricky. Anyway, here are my recent purchases. All practical stuff. I needed new tops, since I've changed shape a bit since my baby was born 11 months ago. The skirt is pure silk and it's really soft and cool to wear. The T'shirts are all comfy and super cheap. This lot was from one shop, and I spent somewhere between 5 and 6 dollars for each item.

And the shop? Bargain Browser, 9 Anderson St, Yarraville +61 3 9687 6307. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm

Merry Christmas for yesterday and happy op-shopping for 2012!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T02:20:00.000+11:00

To all my fellow op shoppers, my best wishes for a Happy Christmas, and a safe and healthy New Year, with lots of bargains at your favourite opshops!
I was astounded at the amount of stuff being brought into the Brotherhood shop in Eltham in the weeks leading up until Christmas, and equally amazed at the people who swarmed into the shop every day looking to buy Christmas gifts. But the older staff members have warned me "you ain't seen nothin' yet". They said that when we come back mid January to reopen the shop, there will be huge piles of bags waiting for us to sort - all those unwanted gifts....

op shop 'til you drop

2011-12-17T16:22:00.002+11:00

This was mentioned in the comments to a previous post but is worth a spotlight all of its own -op shop guide to Frankston (thanks Erica Louise!)

Three Great Op Shops Worth the Drive

2011-12-15T10:07:00.004+11:00

This turned up on The Age's website today:

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/about-town/three-great--opshops-worth-the-drive-20111214-1ots3.html

Think I'll start casting my net further afield especially as the Savers stores are so picked over.

BSL Eltham.

2011-12-10T02:38:00.001+11:00

I SWEAR I am not buying any more stuff than I would if I was just dropping in and not working there! It is only because I am there for two half days a week, and not just 10 minutes now and then, that I see more stuff arriving and can pounce on it before the customers see it.
Like this Nativity set, sitting on the front counter as I walked in the door at 9 am this morning. The price was $12. All the little figurines are perfect, no scratches or chips. I've been wanting something like this for years, but wasn't prepared to pay $60+. But $12? No worries!

Just when my old opshop watch had carked it, I found this in the shop for $5.

Nice summer dress for $4.50.

2007 Collection of Stamps of Taiwan. It had just come in with some donations, and my manager didn't have any idea what price to put on it. It is probably worth about $60, but before I could tell her that, she said if you want it you can have it for $5. I do actually collect stamps, and would have paid a lot more for this, but I wasn't going to argue!!

4 Words.....How Could I Not????

2011-12-07T12:04:00.001+11:00

Makes me smile just looking at it!

Tempted to use it as my Christmas Tree this year!

Had to share! Got to love the 80s!

Chelsea Family Life Op Shop celebrates it's 1st birthday this week, spend $20 and get a $5 voucher back.

Happy Holidays All xxx

media alert!

2011-12-07T03:30:00.003+11:00

This is the January/February issue of INSIDE OUT magazine. As well as the best of the London Design Festival and small space secrets from industry experts, there is a NEWS books & blogs section which is where you'll find mention of I op therefore I am. Must be a good magazine!

BSL Eltham Monday.

2011-12-06T00:47:00.000+11:00

The donations are pouring in thick and fast as it gets closer to Christmas. People must be feeling a need to empty their homes of old stuff in anticipation of new stuff they are buying, or hope to receive as gifts! I bought a few oddments while I was working this afternoon.
Kitchen paper towel holder, $2. I've been meaning to buy one of these for years! After I'd left the opshop, I was in a shopping mall and saw these exact same holders for $11.95.

Pretty fan, 50 cents.

Beaded necklace, $3. I love the colours in this, it will go with a lot of my clothes.

Plain black skirt, $4. Hooray - I will be able to throw out the last black skirt I bought about 15 years ago!

A Beswick Coronation mug, $15. I have no idea what this might be worth, but I got it for a friend who collects Royalty memorabilia.

Student Sundays at Savers

2011-12-04T12:26:00.004+11:00

Found these lovely Novo cream flats at Savers Dandenong this morning.

$10.40 with the 20% student discount that is available EVERY Sunday! :)

Recent oppy bargains.

2011-12-01T22:51:00.000+11:00

At our BSL shop I couldn't pass up this cup, saucer and plate set for $5.

This giant cup and saucer (I placed the egg next to it to give you an idea of the size) is actually a pot plant holder! I bought a pot of basil to put in it and gave it to a friend for her birthday. She was delighted!

I grabbed this book for $1 to give to a friend who loves all things British, but found it so interesting, I decided to keep it for a while.

Today I was passing the Salvos store in Ashwood and naturally had to go in to see what they had on offer. An un-used pack of 24 watercolour pencils for $2 is a huge bargain! OK they aren't Derwents, but Mont Marte art stuff is still okay.

Two Homespun magazines for $5.

Packet of old fashioned iron-on transfers, $1.

New socks $2.85. Salvos have a line of new stuff as well as the second hand stuff, and these socks are made of bamboo. I use bamboo wadding in my quilting; it is incredible what people make from this plant!

Length of cotton fabric for $1, ideal for backing a future patchwork project.

Huge roll of lace $3. They had bags of laces there, and I had to stop myself from buying the lot!

Tape measure for $1. I have several tape measures already, but every time my husband borrows one, it ends up down in the garage and I never see it again. So this one will go into hiding in my sewing basket.

Sale at BSL... stuff for $1!!!

2011-12-01T16:01:00.002+11:00

Enough said.

Fair@Square fashion show and festival

2011-11-30T16:09:00.000+11:00

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?

2011-11-15T14:10:00.001+11:00

Hey there!

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

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

Cheers, Laura

Three opshop visits today.

2011-11-15T01:34:00.000+11:00

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

2011-11-13T04:17:00.000+11:00

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

2011-11-11T13:39:00.001+11:00

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

2011-11-08T04:29:00.003+11:00

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!

2011-11-07T14:23:00.002+11:00

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.

High Street Ashburton.

2011-10-26T01:25:00.006+11:00

Those of you who know Lyndel from "Vintage Retro and Simply Cute Shopping" may be wondering where she has been lately. I met her for coffee today and she told me she is in line for a new computer, as her old one can't handle lengthy downloads anymore, so reading and writing blogs is out of the question. I'm going to offer the use of my computer for her to use while she is waiting for a new one, so don't give up on her blog just yet!

I was in Lyndel's territory today, and visited three of the opshops over there. I didn't find anything at the Salvos, but at the Community shop I found this little elephant for $7. Ken has a slightly bigger version on our mantelpiece; it was his grandfather's. I put this little one beside Ken's, and when he came home I said "Look! Your black elephant has had a baby!"

Across the road at Vinnies, I found these goodies:
A set of four hand embroidered napkins for $4. I was excited to find these, because I have a card table cloth which matches them perfectly!

This is a tapestry or embroidery frame - $2.50.. I've got a bigger one which I rarely use because it is awkward to hold for any length of time.

Hand embroidered supper cloth - beautifully stitched, for $6.50.

And coincidentally going along with the elephant theme, I found this stunning Thai Silk scarf for $3...

Brotherhood buys, Monday.

2011-10-24T21:16:00.003+11:00

I was chuffed to see Mim's comment on the previous post; she came into our opshop last week and bought a rather unusual item that I couldn't make sense of, until she explained it to me!
I filled in this afternoon for one of the regulars, and found these items to bring home.
Cross stitched hand towel. OK I'm not a Mum and I don't have a Mum to give it to, but for $2.50 it is so beautifully stitched...

Little bag in Japanese fabric, 50 cents. I could pull it apart and use it for patchwork, but it is lined nicely, so I can carry my small items of stitching.

Old but unused diary, 50 cents. Delightful little vintage pictures, recipes, etc.

I've always loved the Japanese Hello Kitty products! This was $1 - just couldn't leave it behind. The little Kitty fits inside the big one. How cute is that!

Where is everyone???

2011-10-22T22:16:00.005+11:00

A friend told me yesterday that she thought this was MY blog. I assured her that is not the case - I didn't initiate it, and it is open to anyone to post their opshop stories and photos. But when I came on here tonight and noticed I'm the only one who's posted anything since October 12...no wonder she thought it was just me! C'mon you guys - I can't be the only person opshopping in Melbourne! I've seen other blogs where people post about their opshop finds, but it is much better if it is on here where we can all read about them!
In the meantime, I brought these bits and pieces home from the Eltham BSL on Friday:
Stretch cotton Miller slacks in dusty pink (not white like this photo)$4.50.

Two lots of printed Xmas stocking fabric to make up into quilted Xmas stockings $12 for both. These have been lying around our shop for months, so I finally decided to bring them home and make them up for charity groups.

Length of brown fabric which will be useful for a future patchwork project, $3.

Dark blue leather shoes $4 - a perfect fit! A rare find for me:-)

Savers in Mill Park.

2011-10-17T23:11:00.005+11:00

It doesn't seem like six weeks since I had my hair done and went to Savers over in Mill Park, but it must be, because there I was today. Mondays are the best day because I get the 20% seniors discount.

Two as new arch file folders to replace the old grey ones I have magazine clippings in. 99 cents.

Stunning square pure Thai silk scarf - hand painted I think. $3.99

Four ties various prices. From the left: Diamond Silks Teddies design $7.99; Rene Chagel, silk,Penguins design $7.99; Vivace, Silk Chickens design $1.99; Pierre Cardin Polyester $2.99. I have given the makers name here, and the fabric, to see if anyone can make any sense of the widely differing prices!

Total $26.93 less discount came to $21.60

Savers in Greensborough.

2011-10-15T01:20:00.002+11:00

You might wonder why I'd go to another opshop when I now work in one, but did any of you ever stop at one opshop??? A friend wanted to buy some plates to smash up for a mosaics class, and I suggested Savers as they have a huge range of crockery. Naturally I had to go with her to supervise - lol!
Here is what I found:
Sunglasses, $5.99. I needed a spare pair to keep in my car in case I forgot to take the ones I have at home.

Craft mags. $1.99 each, which I thought was a bit dear; most opshops sell them for about 50c, or $1 at the most.

Gorgeous butterfly scarf, $2.99

Three ties, $3.99 each - also a bit expensive compared to other opshops, but these are such beautiful fabrics, they will come up well in a future patchwork project.

Two pieces of fabric. The light floral cotton is 36" wide, 2.75 yards long -$4.99.
Dark blue batik is 43" wide, 2.25 yards long, $2.99

A trove of trashed treasures

2011-10-12T11:43:00.002+11:00

This article turned up in The Age yesterday. Its about the odd donations that charities receive and also mentions Buy Nothing New Month.

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/a-trove-of-trashed-treasures-20111010-1lh8r.html

More Forest Hill finds

2011-10-11T15:07:00.003+11:00

If you've ever wondered what a wicker whatnot is, well, here's one for your reference.
I found it at the YES op shop in Mahoney's Road, Forest Hill. I think they had bought a bulk lot from an auction house because this still had a number on it and a label saying "antique wicker whatnot, $69". (yes, $69 is a lot, I know, but I got sucked in by the word "antique". And I can never go past anything that is old, antique-y and has lacquer work on it, like this).

It will need cleaning up, so if anyone has tips, let me know!

I also got a Stella McCartney for Target silk top for about $7...

... and some doilies for 50c-$1.

I'm pretty sure they were all handmade, look at the detail!

No idea what I'm going to do with them, but I just couldn't resist...

lions for sale

2011-10-10T03:40:00.002+11:00

(Sorry, same title as previously but it still makes me laugh.)

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

Saturday, 22 October 2011 (for a whole lot of reasons this is a week later than we had originally planned and advised at the last sale. Sorry if this change causes any inconvenience)

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.

Quilt UFO.

2011-10-07T23:14:00.003+11:00

This morning while sorting goods at the opshop, I came across this unfinished quilt. It has had the batting and backing attached, and has had some hand quilting done, so it needs the quilting and binding to finish. I wouldn't be able to do those final steps, but I bought it anyway ($10) to send to a lady who takes in partially made quilts to finish them off and distribute to needy people via the Red Cross and other charities.

(Our cat Tiger kept walking in front of the quilt while I was taking photos, and I just left him there after the third shot!)

Comments from our illustrious leader...

2011-10-06T15:54:00.000+11:00

.... can be read here! Nice work, Amelia!

HIgh Street Road, Ashburton.

2011-10-04T22:24:00.005+11:00

Top up your cuppa and put your feet up; this is going to be a longish post. I am in East Malvern once a month, and try to visit opshops in that area if I have time (and I'm sorry, but I forgot to check out the new opshop in Glenferrie Road that was mentioned here earlier). Today I had some time up my sleeve and decided to visit all the opshops in High Street Road Ashburton, and photograph them from the outside, so if any readers are looking for them, they'll know what to look for. (Lyndal, you need not read any further, LOL)

My first stop was at the Salvos, 205 High Street Road. Tidy attractive shop, but nothing caught my eye today.

Next stop was Vinnies at No.252.

Here I found this sugar bowl for $5. I bought it for a friend who has a set of plates and mugs in this design, and is always pleased when she can add another piece to her collection.

Across the road is the Ashburton Opshop (I think they service local charities, not any of the big ones). It was very busy in there, with kids running amok; I felt sorry for the ladies who were trying to serve customers as well as keep an eye on the brats.

I found three kitchen chair cushions for $4 each, which I was very pleased with, as I have been looking for replacements for our old ones for some time. Aren't they cheerful! Ken said "They don't go with our kitchen" and I said "I don't care - they brighten it up."

Also bought some books - the Menopaws book was $1 and good for a giggle, and the other three were 3 for $1.

My last stop was at No.403 - the very end of High Street Road, near Warrigal Road. The Salvation Army Opshop (with a sign inside saying they are not connected with the Salvos???)

I always find some goodies here, and today they were having a half price sale or something because when I took my two bits to the cashier, she halved the marked price.
This is a scarf for a friend in Canada who collects souvenir scarves. If she doesn't want it, I'll just recycle it in our opshop - it was only $2.

This is a carry bag for keeping food and drinks cold. We've got several at home already, but don't you just love the rainbow colours on this one! Couldn't resist it for $4, especially when I only paid $2!

Buy Nothing New month - free shipping!

2011-10-04T14:47:00.002+11:00

Hi, sorry I haven't posted in a while, I do have lots to show you but just no time! I just wanted to let you know today that BSL is offering free shipping on their books as part of Buy Nothing New month. You can read about what I got up to on their Fashion Friday here! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to show you my recent finds soon. Enjoy BNN month!

My first day at our opshop.

2011-09-26T23:42:00.003+10:00

I had such a fun afternoon at the Brotherhood Opshop in Eltham! The other volunteers were very friendly and glad to have me on board, and they showed me how everything was sorted in the back room of the shop. What an eye opener!! We had about 8 people drop boxes and bags of stuff in, and that was just while I was there in the afternoon. I helped sort and price it. BSL (Brotherhood of St.Laurence) like to keep things cheap, so unless they know something has quite a high value (as in antiques or jewellery) most of their stuff is under $10.

They have re-organised their team of volunteers and asked me to work on Friday mornings instead of Monday afternoons, and that's fine by me. Now that I've had a taste of it, I'd be happy working in there every day; it was like Xmas opening up all those bags and boxes that people brought in! I was very good, and only pounced on two items! I took home a red jumper, a set of Aussie design coasters, a DVD and a patchwork chook. The coasters and DVD were already on the shelves, and I found them before I started working, but when the chook turned up in a donated bag, I begged to buy it immediately!

In the morning, before I went to the BSL, I had to go to a shop in Greensborough, just near Savers, so of course I had to pop in and see what was on offer.
I found these goodies:
A vintage Semco cloth, embroidered with Mexican theme designs, $3.99

Gorgeous scarf in my favourite colours, $2.99

Cute little cotton cloth which will be perfect on our kitchen table.

Two lengths of patchwork fabric - brown and cream pattern 39" wide by 90" long, $3.99
Multi-coloured pattern 43" wide, one yard long, $2.99.

All in all, I was a happy little Vegemite :-)

Opshop buyer becomes opshop seller!

2011-09-23T00:03:00.002+10:00

The Brotherhood shop in Eltham have lost two of their most dedicated volunteers recently, so there was a desperate sign in the window asking for new volunteers. On my weekly visit, I asked the lady in charge what days did they need workers, and she just about fell on her knees in gratitude! Looks like I start on Monday 26th of this month. Told hubby I had a little job at the opshop, and he raised his eyebrows and said "But you don't get paid, do you?" Men...one track minds.

Dunolly op shop

2011-09-20T16:37:00.003+10:00

Pack your bags and have a weekend away exploring Central Vic op shops!
Well, I can speak for the Dunolly Uniting Church op shop at least ;)

It's open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, along with every second Saturday of the month while hosting the regular carboot sale/market in the car park.
If you pop up during the carboot weekend you may as well stay overnight as the Dunolly Market will be held on the Sunday.

But getting back to the op shop - they have their Spring/Summer range in stock at silly prices, all styles, ranges and sizes.
In fact all of their stock is marked at ridiculously cheap prices - hand-embroidered doilies/tablesclothes starting at $1, collectable glassware and crystal beginning at 50 cents, the list is endless!

I found some brand new Hugo Boss jeans for the hubby for $5, a pair of new women's Summer culottes for $2, 2 pairs of casual shorts (1x male, 1x ladies) for $2 each, with the usual balls of wool (50 cents) books ($1) and things that caught my sons eye (50 cents each).

The op shop is housed in the (former) Wesleyan Jubilee Sunday School built in 1887 (as seen below, click for larger view), behind the Dunolly Uniting Church in Barkly Street, Dunolly.

You heard it first...

2011-09-20T14:15:00.004+10:00

If you're reading this, then of course you're an avid op shopper. So you wouldn't think it was strange that I was whiling away a train trip by babbling on about op shopping to a fellow enthusiast who just happens to be having a birthday today and who had just been op shopping as her birthday treat. What you might find strange, or at least just a bit of a coincidence, is that while we were discussing this worthy topic, I happened to look out the window at Tooronga station and notice a sign - about an op shop that is opening soon!!
According to the sign, an MS (Multiple Sclerosis) shop is opening on Glenferrie Road, Malvern. I couldn't see the date, but the sign was asking for volunteers, so it must be opening soonish?
Does anyone have any more info about this exciting news?

City Weekly mentions!

2011-09-08T15:18:00.002+10:00

Hi all, just a very quick post to tell you that the City Weekly article about op shopping (featuring Gina E and others including myself!) is up now at this link! And of course you can pick up the hard copy of the paper too if you're in the CBD. I'm also blogging for them at the moment so visit the website thecityweekly.com.au if you get a moment!

Werribee Op Shop Tours

2011-09-06T13:34:00.004+10:00

Hello all,

Op Shop Tours Australia are operating in the Wyndham Sustainability Festival so spend the day in Werribee this Saturday and find yourself a bargain or two.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Location: Meet at the Wedge Street Piazza, 90A Watton St (cnr Wedge St), Werribee

Cost: FREE

Time:
Session 1: 9:15am - 12:30pm
Session 2: 1:00pm - 4:15pm

Bookings essential:
http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/environment/environmentsustainability/eventsprograms/festival2011/events/opshop_tours

See you there,

Jo :)

Savers in Mill Park.

2011-09-05T23:41:00.005+10:00

I got my hair cut and coloured today, and as I was in Mill Park, it was an ideal opportunity to drop into Savers on Childs Road. I must have been there for two hours! For some reason it was fairly quiet this morning, and it was nice to just wander around up and down the aisles without being pushed aside by over-enthusiastic shoppers. Monday is their day for giving 20% off everything for seniors card holders. The girl at the cash register asked if I had a Savers Discount card and when I said no she said "Oh what a pity I can't give you any discounts, you're too young to have a Seniors Card"...then I flashed my Seniors card and my pension card, and she blinked and said "that's good enough!".

Hubby has been after a box to store all his heart medications, instead of in the shoe box I provided! I found the perfect size plastic box for $5.99.

I found these fabrics in the tablecloth section. I suppose you can make a tablecloth out of any fabrics, but I've got better ideas for these two! A yard of black gingham $4.99. The brown (colour in photo is not right) fabric is 41" wide by 2-1/2 yards long, for $6.99.

Three ties $1.99 each. The tie with books on is perfect for a project I'm working on, that needs books on a shelf - I'd been looking for fabric like that for ages! The next tie has cats on it - first one I've ever seen, and I love the colours of the third one.

This mug is for one of my friends, who has two plates in this design, and will be tickled pink to get a matching mug for $1.

This little book was $1.99, and well worth it - gorgeous illustrations of 'calling cards' that predate our modern day 'business cards'.

For a total of $26.90 worth of goods, I paid $$21.60 - way to go!

a glenferrie gem

2011-09-05T20:11:00.004+10:00

as my first post in this blog, i thought it appropriate to choose something extraordinary. akira isogawa is just that: a genius at his art. he is a master of fluidity and his penchant for choosing prints and fabrics is unparalleled. and guess what? he is absolutely lovely in person, softly spoken and a thoughtful mind. i was lucky enough to chat with him at his gpo store in melbourne, having only one week earlier come across this beautiful wool bolero at the vinnies store in glenferrie road, malvern. and i will be lucky enough to see his divine creations at the romeo and juliet ballet at the arts centre later this month xx

Ashburton Op Shop MONTHLY GARAGE SALE this FRIDAY 2 Sept.

2011-08-30T21:01:00.000+10:00

If you need a bit of furniture, [but not the chair above, that's mine] or a few electrical items, some tools, golf clubs, a garden chair, some sporting equipment or a magazine rack, drop into the Ashy Op Shop this Friday morning ~ they are having their monthly Yard Sale out in the plaza in front of the shop on the corner of High Street and Welfare Parade, just near the Railway Station. Starts around 10am and goes thru until all is sold, or 1pm ~~ whichever comes first!
you can of course also pop into the shop to find a heap of bargains, especially as all LADIES wear is 50% off all week.
The shop is open Five Days a Week from 10am to 4.30pm, AND.. all day Saturday, which is a real bonus, 9.30am to 4pm.

All profit goes back into the local community, thru Ashburton Support Services.

Fabrics for my stash, but no magazine article!

2011-08-26T19:20:00.004+10:00

I found these at the Eltham Brotherhood shop yesterday and was very pleased with myself. The 2 yards of orange spotted cotton ($3.50) is absolutely perfect for a quilted wall hanging I've been planning, but couldn't find the right fabric until now. The floral piece was $2.50. The white stuff $2.50)that looks like curtain fabric but was labelled 'food cover' has more uses to me and other friends who dabble with paints...great effects can be created with materials with holey patterns;-)

I don't know what happened about the article that was supposed to appear in the City Weekly magazine. I've been keeping an eye out for both the City Weekly and our local version of it, but I haven't seen any mention of me and opshopping. Have I missed out on it?? The journalist isn't answering my calls, and I never had a contact name or number for the photographer, so I have no way of finding out what is going on. Are you there Fourth Daughter??

Lions Club Trash and Treasure

2011-08-23T14:56:00.001+10:00

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

Saturday, 3 September 2011.

Same time: 8am to 1pm

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

Weekend Haul

2011-08-22T11:26:00.002+10:00

Tommy Hilfiger vest $10.49 - Savers Dandenong (with the 20% student discount available every Sunday)
French Connection cardigan $12.99 - Savers Dandenong (with 20% student discount available every Sunday)

Mirror $10 - Oakleigh Vinnies

more on diamond creek

2011-08-20T01:46:00.002+10:00

I received an email about the closure of the Diamond Creek op shop. Here is an edited version:

"Austin Health is in the process of selling the landmark land and buildings, housing the Diamond Creek Austin Health Opportunity Shop, located at 42-44 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek.

The Op-Shop has been operated by volunteers for over 40 years, and raises approximately $100k per annum for the purchase of medical equipment for the hospital. Volunteers have recently been fundraising to raise the funds required to upgrade the buildings to increase shopper comfort. The buildings are un-insulated, un-heated, and un-air-conditioned making them stifling hot in summer and freezing cold in winter.

While the volunteers have been fundraising, the hospital has been exploring options to sell the property. Fast food restaurants have previously expressed interest in the site. It is believed that Austin Health will receive over a $1 million for the site.

The Op-Shop provides a much need service to the local community, by providing cheap second hand clothing, books, furniture and household items to the people of the Diamond Valley and beyond. Victims of the Black Saturday bushfires are amongst the regular customers. Closure of the Op-Shop will add to the financial burden of those customers who are facing financial difficulty.

A sale is going to be held on September 10, to clear stock.

If you want the Op-Shop to stay open, please email or write to Austin Health and protest the closure and sale of a Diamond Creek icon."

Diamond Creek Op Shop to close

2011-08-16T17:42:00.001+10:00

Diamond Creek icon shuts its doors

Vinnies, Briar Hill.

2011-08-13T22:24:00.004+10:00

I can never pass Vinnies in Briar Hill without dropping in, they are such a great shop.
Patchwork and craft mags for 50c each, and a lovely bag to carry them in - free!!

Canvas boards, $3 each. They possibly weren't such a bargain, as I'm sure they only cost a few dollars at the Reject shops...

Art deco doiley $3.

Another beautiful doiley $2.50. These were both in a glass case, as part of a display of glassware. Sometimes the opshops don't like to sell them as the doilies enhance the other items, but the Vinnies lady was happy to sell me both.

This photo is of some of the unframed cross stitch and embroidered items I've collected at opshops. I am in the process of sewing a black border around each one, and then I'll incorporate them into a quilt. I can't make up my mind what kind of fabric to use as the background - plain or patterned? In this picture they are lying on the carpet. I don't want the background fabric to detract from the individual pieces, but a plain colour might be too simple. Any ideas?

Squiggly Thrifting beyond The Hills

2011-08-12T19:42:00.002+10:00

Hi Guys, it's Rach again from Squiggly Rainbow..... I hit beyond my Hills yesterday. Beaconsfield Op Shop was fabulous! So many bargains. It is situated on Old Emerald Road (I think) in the strip shops of Beaconsfield. It is tucked behind the church entrance.

Here is a snap of some of the stuff I found there....

I LOVE this Sesame Street single bed sheet! It is near new condition too!

I then ventured out of the Hills and landed at the Salvation Army in Beaconsfield - not much to find there - just this gorgeous crochet woolen blanket and the huge enamel tea pot/billy/coffee pot pictured above.

Then my favorite score was at the Narre Warren Salvo's... a whole tube of vintage red buttons and a cute vintage pattern.

Hope you have a great thrifting weekend!

Rach

Two local opshops in two days.

2011-08-12T01:10:00.005+10:00

On Wednesday I had lunch with friends in Hurstbridge, and after we left the cafe, two of us decided to visit the only opshop in town. I'm sure there used to be more than one, but I can't find any others. This one is one of the fascinating 'mish mash' oppies where you can spend hours rummaging. I found three little items to bring home.
Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Ken said "not another coffee mug!" but as I explained, two of our favourites have cracks and chips in them, so this will be a good replacement (all of 50 cents).

I wondered if this tie had been worn by an accountant? For 50 cents it was worth buying - I can see it as part of an interesting quilt block.

Speaking of quilt blocks, I've heard of this book, and now I have it - $1.

Yesterday was my weekly shopping day with my friend Glenda, and as always, we ended up at The Brotherhood shop before sitting down to relax with a coffee.
I found five things to bring home.
A woven Oriental design wall hanging for $1. This side is day time.

The reverse appears to be night time.

A pair of tiny glass elephants on a mirror base and background - $2.

Good length of gingham cotton fabric - $4.

Tiny little petit point pincushion - 50 cents

Beautifully stitched doiley - $1.

Thrifting in the Hills

2011-08-09T10:50:00.002+10:00

Hello All! I am a new contributer to this site and come over from Squiggly Rainbow. I have become a part-time thrifter and op-shop goer - most of my purchases furnish our home, clothe us sometimes and keep my stocks full at The Vintage Shed where I have a stall.

Enough about where I am from.... here is a sneak peak of my travels treasure hunting yesterday. I will upload some pics of the finds when I photograph them! This is the Emerald Uniting Church Op-Shop - it is located on Emerald-Monbulk Road and open 6 days a week! They will even offer you a cuppa! I found a gorgeous Vintage Evening dress, a Vintage gardening book and a gorgeous pinny.

Next was a quick dash to the Cockatoo op-shop; also known as the Nell Mitchell Op-Shop, which is located in the Main Street opposite the strip shops. I picked up a new looking Graeme Base book for my kidlets - it was quite a disappointing venture... hardly anything in the store other than books and clothes.

Lovely to 'meet' you all! Until next time - enjoy your thrifting adventures! Glad to be a contributor here!

Rach x

Op shopping out of season

2011-08-07T21:21:00.001+10:00

As I type this, it's a cool (as in temperature-wise) 14 degrees and grey and drizzly, ie normal for Melbourne at this time of year. So hopefully I'll still get some wear from these winter wonders that I felt strangely compelled to buy last week, when we all thought spring had started because it was over 20 degrees for a few days in a row and the sun was actually shining...

Woollen legging-y pant-things with a jacquard pattern at Vinnies Springvale (I know, they look like old lady pants. Probably because they are! But I will take them in and wear them with heels and hopefully redeem them that way).

Red sweater dress from the Salvos Brandon Park ($6.99 but half price because of it was 50% off orange tagged items). It had massive shoulder pads which I removed toot sweet.

Indigo woollen jumper also from the Salvos BP and also $3.50 after the 50% off. You can see what it looks like (and check out a much earlier op shop find from Japan) in a clearer photo here.

The usual... sewing patterns from the '60s and '70s...$1 each at Vinnies Springvale (getting a bit pricey!!)

The one in the middle is actually a pack of embroidery transfers. Who knows when I will ever get around to doing embroidery, but meanwhile I can enjoy the pattern envelope...

Thrifting @ Savers

2011-08-06T21:39:00.000+10:00

Hope you're having an AbFab weekend! Here's a couple of items I bought from Savers. Want to know what that yellow thing is? 10 Points for the first correct guess!!!

Otherwise find out here!

B.

forthcoming Church Fete / Market day PLAYFUL MARKET ASHBURTON

2011-08-05T09:22:00.000+10:00

YOU all know I love to Op Shop around Ashburton area, well the Ashburton Baptist Church is holding a 'playful market day' on Sat. 13 August and I though you may like to know about it in advance.

sausage sizzle.. handmade craft stalls .. ABC cafe .. live music .. art exhibition .. second hand book stall .. cakes and goodies .. toys .. lucky dips .. 2nd hand items .. QUILT display .. baby gifts .. produce

AND an Animal Farm to keep dad and the kids entertained while you shop.

Sounds like fun, so I thought before I make a 'Look what I Found' post, I should give you all a chance to come along and find some treasures too .. and then you can check out the Ashburton Op Shops afterwards.

Nice length of fabric from the Seventies.

2011-08-05T00:50:00.002+10:00

Three yards of 45" width cotton. I showed it to a friend just after I'd bought it at the Brotherhood in Eltham, and she squealed "Oh I love stuff from the seventies -where did you get that??" When I told her it cost me $8, she squealed again!

Patterns

2011-08-03T09:18:00.000+10:00

Hey there!

This is my first time posting! I wanted to share some of my vintage patterns. I have bought them from various op shops. I have not made any of them yet, as I can’t decide which one to start with!

Cheers, Laura

Good old Brotherhood!

2011-08-03T00:29:00.004+10:00

Our Brotherhood of St L. opshop had some nice things when I dropped in there yesterday. An interesting handmade book. The cover looks like it is made with leaves front and back with a laccquer coating, and a stick of cinnamon, although there is no aroma. The pages are handmade paper, and there is no writing or printing on them.

This shirt is a Mens size XL. The lady behind the counter said 'That's too big for you, dear' to which I replied 'yes I know, but I won't be wearing it. I'm cutting it up for patchwork - look at that terrific fabric!'

Speaking of fabric, I was over in Malvern today, so I visited three opshops within walking distance. A small independent shop in Wattletree Road, and in Glenferrie Road I went to Vinnies and the Salvos. Both of these shops are VERY upmarket - fabulous window displays and lovely stock inside. I bought three pieces of cotton fabric for $2 each at the Salvos (not worth putting a pic on here).

Metal Mesh, my one true love...

2011-08-02T17:02:00.001+10:00

After uni today, I stopped by the small op shop in Mcleod, and picked up this metal mesh clutch for only $4! I'm a giant metal mesh fan, and I'd say I have over 20 pieces, however, aside from a few hard-to-find pieces I have, I refuse to pay a lot for it, so when I manage to find metal mesh at such an awesome price, it's really hard to say 'no'. It's in perfect condition, no missing links and only a few small make-up stains on the inside.

Ringwood Happenings

2011-08-01T11:48:00.011+10:00

Before uni today I popped by both the Ringwood Salvos and Vinnies. Both are probably my least favourite op shopping chains, however my boyfriend vol unteers at one, and the other is directly
over the road, so I tend to check them out once a week.
I bought the dress below for $10, which is it the higher end of my budget, however it still had it's tag on, so essentially it's $10 for a brand new dress! It looks like a late 70's/early 80's design, and the brand is Toucan. If anyone knows anything more about this brand, please let me know.

I also found this semiquaver music note brooch for 50c!

I ended up in Templestowe, again, at the Macedon Square DonCare store, where I bought this Sean Penn biography, my very first pair of knitting needles and wool, all for $4.50.

MARYSVILLE Op Shop open again for business !

2011-07-31T12:00:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, hubby and I took our new car for a drive. Neither of us had ever been to Marysville before, and I see so much on the news about how the town is trying to get back to 'normal' after the devastation that was the Bushfires. It is quite strange to drive out of the hills, all green and lush again, into a little town where every house, every shop is either brand new, or a shipping container/ portable building. Made my heart ache.

However, we had a lovely lunch at the Bakery and a stroll down the main street, and there it was .. .. .. a banner exclaiming OP SHOP OPEN. . . Took a peek inside and there were dozens of ladies and kids unpacking and setting up a lovely new shop. It is due to open officially next week, but they tried out the new banner and straight away people were popping in. I felt a bit intrusive, all these volunteers trying to set up and all us 'customers' looking at stuff. oh, and they didn't have any money in the till so you had to have correct change if you wanted to shop.

I purchased three lovely tea towels. a plaint white with red edging IRISH LINEN GLASS CLOTH - they are my favourites for drying dishes. A pretty 1970s flower power linen one, and a very sweet Homely Measures one, which has lists of how much for example a breakfast cup of Currants, flour, oatmeal or chopped suet weighs.. very handy!!

So if you are travelling to Marysville, the town is functioning again, the shops are open, even their famous Old Lolly Shop is set up in a shipping container, [builders start on their new premises in August], and the locals just love to see tourists. Lots there on Saturday, travelling thru to the Snow.

Work It Out

2011-07-31T10:04:00.001+10:00

Hey guys, sorry its been a while. I actually had my purse stolen the other week. From an oppy. The Lions Club store in Mitcham! I knew op shopping would be the end of me! Anyway, I picked up a set of five mugs. I loved the simplistic design and colours, and they were all only 50c each. I think there may have originally been six, as there are two of one design and three of the other, but they were really too cute not to have! I found them at the Ringwood Vinnies store. I do have a bit of an obsession with mugs, and I'm so glad to have these in my collection.

Ashburton Op Shop MONTHLY GARAGE SALE 5 August

2011-07-30T16:35:00.000+10:00

The Ashburton Op shop, on the corner of Welfare Parade/High St are having their monthly MEN'S GARAGE SALE this coming Friday (August 5). This will now be a regular monthly event, thanks to a dedicated band of Men who have volunteered.

So, what will they be selling? small furniture, tools, small electricals (all Tested & Tagged), sporting goods, garden tools, ... all the stuff that does not fit inside the shop usually

Starts 10am to 1pm first Friday every month, set up will be in the front of the shop/ community area.

All funds raised go to the support of the elderly in the area via the ASHBURTON SUPPORT SERVICES. / Meals on Wheels etc....

Opshopping with Lyndel!

2011-07-27T23:21:00.004+10:00

Lyndel and I have been planning to meet up for ages, and we finally got together today. She drove over to Eltham to meet me at our local Brotherhood opshop, and from there I took her to Diamond Creek, as she hadn't been there previously. Lyndel was much more cautious than me when it came to emptying my wallet! We had a really fun day, with two stops for coffee and cake to keep us going.
Here is what I bought today. Instead of photographing everything separately (it would take forever to upload) I've just taken one photo of everything I found at each shop.
At the BSL in Eltham I only bought one item - an apron for $3.50, which is going to a friend who is of Italian descent, and loves aprons as much as me.

Our first stop in Diamond Creek was the Salvos. I scored heaps of goodies here for a total of $20.50! Fabrics - gingham, Batik, iron-on interfacing, batting, bundle of laces, two ties, tatted doiley. And a box of oil paints, a book, and a set of placemats with beautiful Lesley Ivory cat paintings.

Next stop a few doors away was the Austin Hospital opshop. I haven't been here for a while, but made up for it today! Two lots of fabric, two craft magazines, a lovely quilted block, a huge heap of lace and braid, a metal bellpull hanger (thanks Lyndel, whose sharp eyes found this!), and a soup bowl that matches the rooster set I bought at Savers early this week. This was a bonus - that set only had three bowls, so now I've got the four. The whole lot for $15!

Finally we stopped at an 'independent' opshop (not one of the big charities) called Aunty Bee. I found two more pieces of fabric including a lovely tartan, more lace, two scarves (a paisley design, and a souvenir of London), and a cross stitched bookmark. All for $7.

A grand total of $45 - did I do well or not?!

Savers at Mill Park

2011-07-26T17:31:00.004+10:00

If you live over this side of town (or even if you don't), you should check this new Savers store out! It is at The Stables Shopping Centre in Childs Road, not far from the intersection of Plenty Road. My hairdresser lives in Mill Park, so when I get my hair cut, I pop into Savers on the way home. Yesterday (Monday) they had a 50% off all clothes sale, and I discovered at the check out that Monday is 20% off everything for seniors! The prices I've given below are the discounted prices.

I am in the process of culling my craft stash, so it was a bit silly of me to buy this cross stitch kit, but I'm a sucker for blue and white china, and for $4 with everything included...

Aprons are another item that I probably don't need to buy, but I was just looking last week at some of the ones I wear, and thinking they were getting a bit raggy, so for $2.40, this joined the basket.

I have just thrown out a pair of cheap slippers, and needed some more. These cost $3.20.

The last dressing gown I bought (at the Brotherhood last year) was wearing a bit thin, and it has been sooooo cold lately, this nice fleecy blue number for $3 will do me well!

Today I had morning tea with some friends who are also opshoppers. They hadn't been to Mill Park Savers, so as it was turning into a nice sunny day, I suggested that we go over there, and they were happy to go along with me. I wasn't going to buy anything; after all, I was there 24 hours ago! Ha. Famous last words.
Two more ties for my collection (I use them for patchwork) $1.99 each.

Don't laugh! Getting old is serious business...you never know what you can learn from books - $3.99.

I noticed these yesterday, but decided I didn't need any more chicken themed dishes. But when I saw them again today, sitting sadly on the shelf, I realised they were waiting for me ;-) $2.99 each.

Another pair of shoes. These are slip-ons, made of elasticised fabric with a hard sole. I've had them before, and they are very comfortable. $5.99

Crush on a clutch

2011-07-24T22:19:00.004+10:00

I popped in to the Forest Hill Salvos very quickly on Saturday and picked up this woven coloured straw clutch for $4. I think it's probably from somewhere in Asia originally as I used to have something a bit similar from my aunty in Malaysia when I was little.

I also picked up some information while I was at the Salvos which I posted in reply to Lyndel's post ... but here it is in case you missed it. The Forest Hill Lion's Den op shop is closing, apparently some time in August. The reason? According to the lady at the Salvos, it is because the rent has gone up to $50,000 a year (it was originally $22,000 a year). Such a shame, I loved that op shop because it was so chockablock full of stuff and not too orderly, you never knew what you would find. So if you're in the area soon, drop in to say goodbye.

By the way, I am one of the other bloggers from here who might be in the City Weekly article that Gina mentioned but she was so glamorous that they didn't need any photos of me :)
Can't wait to see the shots, Gina!

Mirror mirror on the wall

2011-07-23T10:33:00.000+10:00

Hi there peoples!

Look at what I found yesterday....a gilded mirror finally!

Thanks Salvos for your 50% yellow tags this week *happy dance*

B.

P.S. For full post click here.

Savers Greensborough.

2011-07-23T00:51:00.004+10:00

Living up to my new reputation as an opshop queen (among others here - ha ha!!) I visited Savers today. Hadn't been there for a while, so I was delighted to find a heap of goodies. Somebody must have brought in the goods and chattels of a deceased estate, because there were more tablecloths than I'd seen for years. Breaking my self imposed restriction on buying cloths, I couldn't resist these among the other bargains.
Aren't these dishes adorable! Well, only if you like chooks. The photo is distorted because of the angle I took it on but there are three soup bowls (99c each), three bread and butter plates (49c each) and for some reason I was only charged $2.99 for the four dinner plates.

Quiche dish for $3.99. We use my old dishes for bird baths in the aviaries, but I'm running out of 'old' dishes, so I pick them up at opshops now.

Paisley cotton fabric for patchwork $3.99

Seersucker tablecloth $6.99. It was folded in a way that suggested it was a round cloth, which I was looking for, but when I got home I discovered it is oblong. Never mind - I like the sunny design, it will be good on the table outside in the summer.

This cloth ($2.99) is an old Semco cloth embroidered with blue Lazy Daisy. Hard to see the pretty stitching from this distance.

This cloth ($4.99)is of interest to me because the tiny embroidered castles in each corner match a set of napkins I bought years ago. Never thought I'd find a cloth to match!

Art deco doiley in perfect condition - 99 cents

Them chooks again! Terry towelling tea towel 99 cents

Photography session for opshop article!

2011-07-23T00:34:00.002+10:00

Kathryn from City Weekly phoned me around 2 pm and conducted her interview over the phone. After she'd finished she said the photographer was on his way. I arranged a heap of bric brac on the kitchen table - cup and saucer sets, a couple of teapots, various plates and other household items. In the bedroom I laid out half a dozen jackets and kimono type gowns that I've bought in opshops. I didn't bother with day to day clothes like pants and tops, but I did place several pairs of shoes at the foot of the bed. I figured the photographer would select something and ask me to hang it up somewhere.

He arrived right on 3 pm, dragging a heap of photographic equipment up the stairs. I took him into the kitchen where he glanced at the table, then asked if I bought any clothes at opshops. I said yes, and took him into the bedroom. He pounced on my crazy patchwork gown and said "Perfect - put that on!". So I did, then he got me to drape myself across the other clothes on the bed, in various poses. Then he asked me to get a teapot and cup, and he would photograph me in the gown, pouring a cup of tea. I said "Not in the bedroom!", so we went back into the kitchen to do that. In the meantime, the sun had come out, so he wanted to take some pictures outside, and asked me to select a few pieces from the kitchen table to take outside. He took some photos of various items in interesting spots in the garden, then did more of me still in that gown pouring tea!!

I was almost breathless by the time he left about 3.45; he must have taken about 200 photos. I asked if I could see them one day, and he said to speak to the photo editor after the article is published in the mag, and she might supply me with a proof sheet.
It will be interesting to see the mag when it comes out - Kathryn said she would send me a couple of copies. I don't get into town very often, so it is unlikely that I would be able to obtain a copy otherwise. The photographer said there were 8 magazines published by their company, in different areas of Melbourne, and he thought I would be in a local one. My God, I just hope they don't put me on the front cover, draped across the marital bed in my dressing gown, looking orgasmic over my opshop clothes!!! Ken will have a fit, and I'd never live it down with the locals :-O

Cameo Brooch

2011-07-22T09:41:00.001+10:00

I will definitely have some more bits and pieces coming for you all soon, however I just wanted to share with you my newest find. I have been eyeing off some incredible cameo brooches on Ebay and Etsy for a while, however when I found this one in a Healsville oppy for $6, well, I was pretty stoked. Sometimes it definitely pays to wait.

Where are you, Jac?

2011-07-20T23:33:00.002+10:00

Hey Jac, I wanted to email you or post a comment on your blog, but can't find you anywhere! So I'm leaving this message here. Just wondering if you have consented to be interviewed by the magazine/paper that wants to do an article about op shoppers? I'm being 'done' tomorrow!

Forest Hill LIONS DEN op shop is CLOSING DOWN

2011-07-20T16:00:00.000+10:00

Sadly, after nearly 40 years of trading, first at Blackburn, then in Forest Hill the Lions Club op shop is to close. Reports in the local paper say they cannot afford the new/higher rent. Many of you will know Mary, the manager there, and I know she will be missed by all.

I drove past yesterday, there were CLOSING DOWN SALE signs in the windows, and a FOR LEASE sign on the front of the shop.. how sad.

{not sure when they close but if you want to check the shop out, its at 7 Mahoneys Rd Forest Hill --- and the Salvos are just a few doors up the road too!}

Chalkboard love.

2011-07-18T21:03:00.000+10:00

Hi All!

Just wanted to show off a beautiful chalkboard I found in our local opshop. Isn't she lovely?

B.

P.S. Check out my blog for full post.

Doncare Bulleen.

2011-07-16T14:54:00.003+10:00

Happened to be over at Balwyn visiting a friend, and on the way home stopped at Macedon Square to do some shopping. Doncare opshop nearby - had to check it out!
Busy little shop, nice staff. I found a cookbook for diabetics (hubby, not me) for $2 and a ball of braid for $3, which took me a good 5 minutes to unwind and rewind around a piece of cardboard. This pic is a bit blurred, the colours are actually quite vivid.
The embroidered centrepiece was from another opshop a few days ago.

The Russia House aka Pinewood Vinnies

2011-07-13T22:47:00.004+10:00

A few years ago I went to Russia for fashion week but foolishly did not pack a very big suitcase. So despite all the lovely woodwork and crafty stuff that was for sale at the market, I did not buy much. Of course I have regretted it ever since, so I was very pleased to find this little tray and shot glass (?) set at Pinewood Vinnies for $3.

I suppose I should have put a coin or something in the photo so you can tell the size because the glasses look big in the photo but they're really more like egg cup size. I'm not sure if they were made purely for a tourist market or if people actually use these, but I love the gold and the painting on them. If they were for the tourist market this set definitely would have cost more than $3!!

Introductions.

2011-07-13T14:46:00.006+10:00

Hello, my name is Alexandra and I decided to join 'I Op therefore I Am' to simply pass the time until I get the motivation to do something myself. I dabble in op shopping most weeks, always on the hunt for the cheap, and the unusual, but only if it's cheap enough.

I went out on a bit of a spree, as so I had something interesting to share in my first entry.

For $1 each I picked up 'Write; a 30 Day Guide to Creative Writing' by Sarah Quigley and 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller, from the DonCare store in Templestowe. Also nabbed a couple of pairs of stockings. Stockings can be quiet expensive, so it's always good to check the op shops stocking-wise, because they're usually still all in their packaging, brand new.

From a couple of Church-run stores in Heathmont, I found an Estee Lauder beauty case, for $5. What sold it to me was the great mirror in it. I also found, for $4.50 a beautiful woolen cardigan, in a great mustard colour. Perfect for the current weather conditions.

Last of all, from the Mustard Tree op shop in Lilydale, I found this Gold Crest mesh purse, only $5. As a collector of metal-mesh, it's a good one for the collection, in amazing condition.

At the Mustard Tree, all Adult clothing is $1 a piece! Managed to pick up a dress.

Today, Salvos and Rotary.

2011-07-08T23:59:00.006+10:00

I'm on a roll at the moment! I happened to be cruising down Canterbury Road today, and noticed two opshops across the road from each other - Animal Aid and Rotary. I was able to park my car outside the Rotary shop, so I went there first. It is a small shop, and one hell of a mish mash, but such friendly ladies! I asked if they had any craft fabrics, and they took me out into the back room and proceeded to drag fabrics down from shelves to show me. I selected these five - all quite big pieces. The lady said I could have them for $3 the lot. I said that wasn't enough, and gave them $5. They were very happy, but I still think I got the better deal!

Then I found a little bag full of lace - 50 cents.

Finally I found this vintage card table cloth for $2.

I didn't get to the Animal Aid opshop - ran out of time. I drove on to Diamond Creek where I was meeting a friend, and I suggested to her that we check out the opshops up there, as I hadn't been up there for a while, and she was agreeable.
The Austin opshop was already closed, and when we stopped at the Salvos, we had 15 minutes before they too closed, so we dived in. I found some great stuff!
Japanese fan brooch - $3.

Magazine, ric rac and laces - 50 cents each.

Long stitch Steam Train, framed and in perfect condition - $5. Hubby loves it!

Set of six napkins worked in Chicken Scratch - $3.

Cute dolphin dish - $2.50

I'm a happy gal!

Vinnies in Briar Hill.

2011-07-08T10:02:00.003+10:00

Passed Vinnies yesterday on the way home from Greensborough, and having a free afternoon, decided to drop in. They had another stack of craft magazines, so I borrowed a chair and spent the next half hour going through the mags to make sure I wasn't buying any that I'd had before. I usually sit on the concrete floor, but yesterday was sooooo cold, the ladies at the shop insisted on bringing a chair over to the bookshelves! (a side benefit of being a regular customer).
This beautifully embroidered doiley cost $4.

Patchwork mags 50 cents each.

Half metre of quilt batting - 50 cents!

This scarf is absolutely gorgeous - the photo doesn't do it justice. Polyster, made in Korea. $3.

Salvos, High St Road Ashburton.

2011-07-06T21:32:00.004+10:00

I haven't been over this side of town for a few months, and as much as I would have like to visit all the opshops in High Street Road, I just did not have time yesterday, so I went to my favourite - the Salvos, right up near Warrigal Road.
I found some nice fabrics to add to my patchwork fabric stash:
Black with coloured spots.

Several metres of this lovely blue/green pattern

Two pieces of material which are actually placemats, but will cut up beautifully.

Nice little doiley.

Cute little 'apron' for a sauce bottle!

And two rolls of lace to share with some of my bloggy lace loving friends! (Are you reading this, Pam and Cathy?)

I can't remember the prices of the individual items, but I paid $20 for the lot.

belong to anyone here?

2011-07-05T09:33:00.002+10:00

From The Age

Op shopper bags a valuable bonus

Megan Levy

June 21, 2011

The small zip-up bag was filled with precious jewellery. Photo: Victoria Police

A shopper who paid a few dollars for a second-hand bag at an opportunity shop on the Mornington Peninsula was stunned to find a stash of valuable jewellery inside.

Police are now appealing for the owner of the pink zip-up bag — which was donated to the Rosebud Opportunity Shop early this year — to come forward and claim it.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a woman bought the bag from the Point Nepean Road shop on March 19, and later discovered the jewellery stash inside.

The collection includes many gold rings, a gold chain bracelet, watches, earrings and necklaces, and several of the items are believed to be valuable antiques.

The woman handed the bag in at Rosebud Police Station, and police are now appealing for the owner to come forward.

They will have to provide a description of the contents of the bag.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

A happy couple from FTG Salvos

2011-07-03T20:54:00.004+10:00

Being back at full time work means I haven't had much time to visit op shops, so I was expecting to go into a buying frenzy when I managed to get up to the cluster of op shops around Ferntree Gully station on the weekend.

But all I bought was an embroidery book (which is full of crafty goodness and therefore warrants its own post at some later stage) and this pair of carved wooden dolls which I think are Ainu. They both have rings around their neck which must have been carved out of the same block as their bodies. I love their bold, simple style. Having lived in Japan for nearly a decade you'd think I'd be able to say with certainty whether these are Ainu carvings or not, but I'm not 100% sure. Do you know?

Oh, and by the way, as I walked along Alpine Street, I noticed that there was a shop with a sign in the window saying "op shop opening soon".... GET EXCITED!!

Uni Holidays!

2011-07-01T11:34:00.006+10:00

Uni Holidays means excessive op shopping! horray!

I'll keep my post to a minimum so here are my three favourites

$3 for a JUMP luggage bag, says made in Vietnam so probably a fake but I dont care! still looks good to me :D found at the church op shop in Watsonia.

also in watsonia a lovely melbourne made Witney Green leather purse :)

near new rainbird japarra for $12 at Hiedelberg heights Vinnies.

my winter blues have definitely subsided this week from my great finds! and the sunshiney weather helps too!

Lions Club Trash and Treasure

2011-07-01T03:04:00.001+10:00

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

Saturday, 9 July 2011.

Same time: 8am to 1pm

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

Linen Sale -- 50% OFF -- Ashburton Op shop

2011-06-17T17:21:00.000+10:00

I can never resist an Op Shop Sale. Today (Fri), tomorrow (Sat) .. and apparently next week too.. is 50% off all Linen at the Ashburton Support Services op shop, in High St Ashburton, right on the corner of Welfare Pde at the Railway Station.

I picked up a pair of embroidered pillowcases, a lovely Irish Celtic Design linen tea towel from the Ulster Weavers, and a terry handtowel with granny crochet top to hang from my towel rail in the kitchen.... perfect !!

There were no 1960s floral sheets for me, unfortunately, but there were 2 huge racks of sheets / doona covers. . . all individually measured and priced and neatly hung in rows .. if I needed more sheets (I DO NOT!! LOL), I could have come home with a car full at their prices.

The Shop is open ALL DAY Saturday now. So that's 10am to 4pm six days a week.... (closed Sundays).

Dandenong Salvos Haul

2011-06-15T16:08:00.002+10:00

Called in to the Dandenong Salvos store today and picked up a book for $1.99 and a bead bracelet for 99c.

Bollywood glam in Brandon Park

2011-06-14T08:31:00.005+10:00

I haven't been able to do much opping lately but I did find this cushion cover at Brandon Park Salvos recently.

I would never use it as a cushion cover because the burgundy base colour it's on is one of my least favourite colours in the world, but it was only $5 and is made up of patches of amazing embroidery that could be taken off for a crafty project, so of course I had to buy it!

Daylesford Vinnies

2011-06-10T17:27:00.003+10:00

A few weeks ago I called into the lovely Vinnies store in Daylesford... I managed to pick up this pair of Witchery cargo pants with a gathered ankle for only $6 or $7! Apologies for the terrible pic!

A bit out of the way for most Melbourne readers, but the store is worth a look in if you happen to be in the area.

Savers 50% off clothing

2011-06-03T15:43:00.001+10:00

Monday 6 June 2011 - Savers is taking 50% off the marked prices of all clothing. One day only sale! Always very popular so make sure you get in quick to avoid missing a bargain! :)

See www.savers.com.au for more info and store locations.

Vinnies, Briar Hill.

2011-06-02T00:32:00.007+10:00

I should ask the people at this opshop if I could take some photos - it really is a delightful opshop - clean and spacious, a good variety of stock (MILLIONS of books!) all very reasonably priced. I was driving past yesterday and decided to drop in, as I remembered there was a box of cookery magazines in the boot of my car, waiting to be given away at the first opportunity. They seemed happy to receive them, as the guy who took them from me remarked that they were getting more craft magazines than anything else. Whoo hoo - did my ears prick up! I shot over to the magazine shelves, and there they were - boxes and boxes of quilting, patchwork, embroidery, cross stitch, scrapbooking, etc. magazines - all at 50 cents each!

I sat on the cold concrete floor for about 20 minutes, rifling through them to try and find ones that I don't already have. That was most of them, so in the end I just bought a dozen. I've gone through these and decided which ones to keep, and I'll take the others back in a day or so, and grab another armful to take home. If there are still heaps left when I go back, I might buy a box full. I just love looking through those magazines, and it would be worth $20 to get 40 magazines on the offchance I might find a project that I would actually make!

While I was there, I had a look at everything else of course, and was delighted to find two items that I do actually need! A pair of women's leather boots for $6 which are a perfect fit (the cat didn't come with the boots, by the way).

Not for wearing out and about - no, these are going to be my garden boots. My old rubber garden boots finally fell apart and I have been searching for another pair for about a year.
These two glasses for 50c each will replace one that I broke recently. I keep this style of glass in the kitchen for day to day use, rather than use the better quality glasses in the crystal cabinet, as these are easier and cheaper to replace!

New Op Shop in Melbourne suburbs. . opened June 1st

2011-06-01T17:06:00.000+10:00

Well here's a turn up for the books!! The Lions Op Shop in Box Hill South / opposite Wattle Park in Elgar Road closed down at Christmas because the building had been sold.

[the Lions moved to Toorak Road, at the end of the Burwood Village shopping strip, where they have great items at very reasonable prices]

Today, the ROTARY Club opened a new op shop in the old Lions shop ! I popped in for a quick look (without a camera, sorry). Was blown away by the pricing. A rack of RETRO clothing, $20, $25 up to $45 for a red tartan Kilt Skirt !!! and $45 on a lovely 1960s nylon party dress..

They had a few racks of more reasonably priced clothing, a few books, and a few bits of bric a brac (not much), but I doubt they'll do much business with their clothing.

Will check back in a week or two, take my camera and have a better look.

Salvos goes South American

2011-05-22T21:34:00.003+10:00

Continuing my habit of (unintentionally) buying things on op shop trips that fit a theme, I found these goodies at the Salvos in Rowville on Saturday. They seem to have a bit of an Inca/Maya thing going on - although I am aware that those two cultures are not the same, I'm pretty sure that they both make use of some amazing patterns, such as the one on the lid of this casserole dish.

It's a Pyrex one, and I got it for $8.

I also found these leather bangles. Notice the Mayan? Incan? pattern on the top bangle (yes, I really need to do my research as to what culture this is actually from!!).

I'm pretty sure that both were donated by the same person, they're too similar to just be there together by coincidence. Strangely, one was 99c and the other was $1.99 even though they are so similar. Love that random pricing system!!

Some bits and pieces from the Brotherhood.

2011-05-17T23:28:00.003+10:00

We haven't been to our local oppie for a while for various reasons, so my friend Glenda was pleased when I called her today to ask if she wanted to go up there.
We both found a few things as usual!

Do you have any idea what this is? (It cost just $3) I just posted five photos of the inside of it on my other blog, and don't want to use up my bandwidth by repeating them all here, so if you want to know more, click here.

Vest, or jerkin - whatever you want to call it - $4. A much nicer shade of pale green than it looks here.

Another vest, this time in black pure wool, $4. I love to wear vests over skivvies or blouses for a bit of extra warmth, instead of a bulky sweater.

Book 70c. I love books about the origin of sayings and cliches.

So bad it's almost good

2011-05-16T15:36:00.001+10:00

I saw this at the op-shop at Macedon Square the other day. Tempting .... but no, I left it there.

(in case you can't tell, it's a tapestry)

IMG_0234.jpg

Helping hand mission oppy

2011-05-14T15:35:00.003+10:00

Hey all!

Will hopefully get on soon with some pics etc , but for now wanted to let everyone know about a great new op shop that's opened up in Airport West this week
It's on Kighton Ave, just off Fullarton Road, and well worth the visit if you're over that side of town (I work in the next street, so I think i'll be becoming a regular visitor).
Almost everything is $2!
I bought some boots($2) and two tops($2 each), and a great belt for one dollar.

It's not huge, but there's some good selection. Heaps of kids wear and toys, maternity wear, means and womens wear. There's bolts of material (not sure how much), and smaller (but still large) peices of material for $2. Some furniture; desks and chests of drawers etc. Lots of bags and shoes and heaps of other stuff.

Enjoy!

Hi I'm new here, I hope you like my recent op shop finds

2011-05-10T14:12:00.001+10:00

I love op shopping. Have done for years. Although I did have a break for a number of years for lack of opportunity, but now that I’m on maternity leave, I’m back in the swing of it again.

What I like about op shopping is the potential of finding something truly amazing that someone else has discarded, of giving something a new life.

I like all my finds. Rarely am I disappointed. I like to think my finds serve a purpose, they have a practical life in my household, whether it is a toy for my toddler, or an item of clothing for me.

I dislike having too much stuff, I live in a small house, and my cupboard space is limited, so I make it a point of taking roughly the same number of items back to the op shop as I take home. This means that I avoid that drowning feeling that I sometimes get.

Because my household does not own a car, I walk everywhere – with baby in pram and pre-schooler by my side. Therefore, I only frequent my local Yarraville op shops. The Uniting Care Bargain Centre and the Green Collective.

The Green Collective has a more ‘commercial’ display; the items are more expensive – not always better quality, though often it is. The UC Bargain Centre has better bargains; it’s more a ‘traditional’ op shop, so you do have to have your ‘hunter-gatherer’ instincts in working order. Oh but the good finds are always worth the effort!

These are my April finds.

First up are the toys that my pre-schooler has found. I am training him to be a discerning op shopper. We like toys that you can build with and make things with, like Duplo and Lego, Fisher Price’s Little People, and a very cute 1974 Palymobil toy (unfortunately, he is missing his headpiece). All of them fit into his range of toys, so he is building up his collection of characters. These toys were less than $1 each. Some were twenty cents. The Duplo puppy face has been used in so many of his 'robot' constructions!

Then to the stuff for me, here are some very comfortable jeans ($18) top ($5.50) and jacket ($15). The jeans are sass and bide (I am told out of fashion, since skinny jeans are all the rage now). The top is pure cotton and very soft. The jacket is Barkin and is made of hemp. My favourite though are the 63 bright red glass beads, very beautiful and with a nice weight - purchased for $2.50, re-strung with silver clasp for $20.