Loot!

My Mum has come to stay with me for a few days so we spent all day today op-shopping. I got 3 pairs of leather gloves for $2 each. The ones below have never been worn and were still in their packet.

Zips and bias binding. I love getting sewing supplies at the op-shop because they are always unbelievably cheap. All together these cost me less than one zip usually costs from the fabric store.
A really cute cream, felt hat.

Lace-up boots which will be handy considering all the rain we've been having lately.

Books for Girls

When I go op-shopping I love buying old Girls Annuals. Usually they are only about $1. I think most of the ones above are from the 40s and 50s judging from the clothes and the inscriptions. The book on the top left has written on the inside cover, 'Given to me by Nana in 1946'. The pictures of the clothes are really interesting (and the stories are pretty good too).

Op-shopping kismet

Another day, another dollar (or ten) spent. I go op-shopping way too much but I justify it to myself by only spending about ten dollars each time I go. This week I spent my money on 2 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of stockings and also some cardigans.

I was wearing the seamed stockings above while my friend and I were shopping and one of the ladies at the Sallies told me she hadn't seen anyone wearing stockings like that for years. She also said that during the war they used to get so excited when they got a new pair of silk stockings. I love having these kinds of conversations. Quite often my stockings elicit comments from sweet old ladies like this.
As we were about to leave I looked in a drawer and found the bag below. I thought they were just odd stockings rather than pairs because they were all different colours but I got them anyway (for $1).



When I got home I discovered that there were 4 pairs of fully fashioned seamed stockings. I was so excited to find vintage seamed stockings and for only $1 as well.

Another Dress

Here is another dress I bought recently on my dress buying spree. Contrary to the expression on my face I am not the least bit miserable about my new vintage purchase. It has the cutest bow under the bust and covered buttons on the bodice. There's also a built-in crinoline made of stiff cotton to make the skirt look fuller. I think it will be perfect to wear on Christmas day.

Two for one

After my exams finished I went on a bit of a dress buying binge. When I got home today this blue, lace 60's dress was waiting for me. I'm so glad it fits. I'm not usually into 60's clothes but I love this dress.


I also got this black wiggle style dress. It has a little bow under the bust and the fabric has a faint rose print. It only cost $5.50. I wish the weather was cooler so I could wear it all the time. Now I'm going to go eat some chocolate macarons and watch the rest of Cabaret.

Nautical Fashion

I love vintage sailor style clothing so I thought a sailor collar would be ideal for summer. There's lots of tutorials on the internet on how to make them (for costumes) but after looking at a few I figured I could draft my own pattern. I used some fabric I had left over from something else and some bias binding that my Mum had given me.

It didn't take long to make and was really simple. I first tried it on with a full skirted dress but I felt a bit too much like Sailor Moon so instead paired it with some men's trousers and a white shirt. I think I will be wearing it lots with t-shirts this summer.

New Treasures

My Mum came to stay with me for a few days and as usual we went to our favourite op-shops. I managed to find a few new (old) things to take home.
This dress is new but it looks vintage inspired and is made out of lovely, soft cotton.


Two more aprons. I already have lots of aprons but I work part time in a cafe and I like to wear pretty aprons at work rather than the plain black ones they have there.

A pair of old, white nylons still in their (rather tattered) packet and mens braces.

I like putting my jewellery in these cute, glass containers (I'm not sure what they're called).