I haven't contributed in many months as I have been working full time in the city, and unfortunately Op Shopping has had to take a back seat.

My visits have been quick 'once arounds' as shops are about to close for the day, and I have been collecting mostly vintage bone china teacups, saucers and side plates, as well as the usual tablecloths and hand embroidered doileys.

And I am proud to announce that I have passed my love of Op Shopping and collecting beautiful things from the past on to my daughters who are 27 and 18, and they are now coming with me on the rare occasions we all have a Saturday morning off at the same time, to hunt out their own treasures.

Here are a few of my recent finds, which are not just stuck in the china cabinet, but are used daily for a delicious hot chocolate or relaxing cup of tea.

I spy with my op shopping eye....

Goodness me I just can't believe how busy I have been of late.  But I promise that hasn't stopped me from getting to op shops.  Au contraire...

I am just absolutely bursting to share with you all my goodies most recently hunted down - especially this beautifully designed cotton sheet, which has such a lovely colour palette that it has given me wonderful inspiration to properly set up our guest bedroom, ready to receive with rustic treats and just a touch of shabby chic!

So beautiful! And only $3.50 from the Community Store at Brentford Square.

Love it.

So here's how it all went down...

Brown stripey pillowcases were from the Epilepsy shop at Blackburn, with doona for $10, the blankets were gifts.  On the side table, I spied with my op shopping eye a lovely glass cordial bottle for just $2 at the Sacred Heart Mission on Glenferrie Hill. 

 Next to that, a wonderful glass dessert bowl, part of a set with six more smaller bowls, for just $7 from the Salvation Army at Forest Hill, used here as a wash bowl.  Gorgeously glazed two-tone brown jug a mere $2 from the Bow Tie op shop on Johnston Street in Abbotsford - if you want a serious bargain, go there, the owner Rye will help you out.

In front on the left, we have a delightfully handmade pottery tray in the shape of an English Ivy leaf.  I scored this for $4 from the Salvation Army at Ferntree Gulley. Last but not least we have one of a set of six coasters, straight out of the seventies, complete with holder for a measly dollar.

Well, that concludes my little Autumn & Winter collection, so until next time my fellow oppers, I look forward to seeing your spoils and collections!

Tykes on Trikes

We have been the lucky recipients of this gorgeous trike along with a vintage scooter and rusty red wheelbarrow. Just looking at these little treasures elicits sentimental notions that I am mostly bereft of. I imagine the little tykes on their trikes belting around the driveway in their embroidered shirts or smocked dresses. All that's left is to put that lovely trike somewhere where it can be looked at daily for a little dose of warm and fuzzy!

By the way, our Mrs. Dot Watson's Vintage Sale raised nearly $2,500, the profits from which support the programs of the Children's Protection Society. For an insight into their great work, check out the 7.30 program on the ABC this Friday 13th April.

Some Suggestions Please

This post isn't really about anything I've bought recently. I've had the tablecloth for a couple of months now. The side plate, I've had for just ages and the mismatching teacup and saucer I bought at the RSPCA Op Shop at Burwood East a few months ago.

I keep my eye out for really pretty teacups, saucers, sideplates, bowls and dinner plates as I want a totally mismatching 'good' crockery set. I don't like to pay very much for each piece and I haven't seen a lot around, so, I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me some great places to go where I can find really pretty pieces of fine bone china, preferably from England or anywhere in Europe really.

I'd really appreciate your help and suggestions to which op shops to visit.

~ Ky x

Just sharing some adventures!

Dear, Op shoppers and bargan hunters. How have you been? It's Elisa, again from http://elisasnowfallsonfridays.blogspot.com/
and i'd just thought i'd share some of my purchases! like these metres vintage trim. which look amazing on some clothes i revamped. also this lovely Book about The firendships and follies of Oscar Wilde, by Lewis Broad (i nearly could buy!) $20...! i'll be back to get it next week for sure! don't you just love the cover picture? anyways till next time. Lots of love Elisa

Past + present purchases

I've unintentionally begun a "dolls from foreign lands" collection.. it started when i was six and Aunty Merril sent me a doll from Bangkok who is sadly looking worse for wear but lives quite happily on a shelf with other hapless creatures. Over the past few op-shopping visits i've added a few more. For some reason i'm drawn to the odd characters, the great fabrics in the costumes and the forlorn quality as they age. Old Gertie (in the middle) even looks a wee bit mad.

And in other op-shop buys i grabbed this nightie ($3) more for the fabric (lovely fine cotton) but now that i've hung it up it seems quite a fetching style, maybe a shorter hemline though.

Could look good copied in another fabric!

Shoes and other fun things!

The thrill of the hunt has drawn me each Saturday morning of late to my favourite local oppies. I must say I’ve found some good stuff lately, including many pairs of shoes! Women lie if they say they don’t love them…who can resist a cute pair of vintage Ferragamo’s? Honestly…

I haven’t posted in a while because, well, I get into lazy holiday mode and the idea of uploading photos, typing and lets be frank, even turning on the computer doesn’t excite me. Never the less, I just must share my recent finds!

ENJOY!



Cute tuxedo style jacket, very now and very cheap! $3 doncare, maceadon



Navy blue vest, $4 from cant remember where...its been a staple is all i can say



Navy/green plaid suit jacket. After i took out the shoulder pads and took in the shoulders, very wearable i must say! $15



Scarf #1: Cute nautical thing in pastel colours...i love this one, $2



Scarf #2 Red satin with horses. Already worn this one heaps, seems to match everything!

And now for the shoes.....



Black patent leather and gold salvatore ferragamo heels, love them and they were only $2 from Doncare in templestowe



Another pair from doncare, Templestowe. These ones are Nina Ricci, also $2 (woo hoo) They are a little small, might have to sell them on Ebay, size 7 if anyone's interested!



What my mum calls grandma shoes but i call practical and cute and blue leather...($4)



I think i can call these my favs...gold leather flats with snake skin pattern detail. Wore them today, very comfy and only $5. YAY



last but not least, 80's boots from Salvo's in East Doncaster, a little pricey ($30), but you'll easily pay $100 for boots like these in vintage stores... leather and fur lined....mmm warm....