Firstly – I have a problem. I also know others with this problem too – phew. I love pre-loved. I love op shops, vintage stores, vintage markets. You could call it a love addiction. Some people don’t get it but I’m here to tell you old is new and a lot of fun!
I love to shop, full stop. But I find that I get so much more enjoyment from buying pre-loved. It’s the thrill of the unknown. Times have got tougher and money tighter and not everyone can afford a $2,000 handbag or even swallow the thought. Yep. Let’s not pretend here.
As we all know, trends come and go and they can be in our face every minute through social media. Monochrome in, neon out. Wood in, plastic out. Wedges in, wedges out. Discarded items, loved one day, loathed the next. I recently saw that even crochet bikinis are popping back up. Oh my, I loved my nautical on trend ones when I was seven. If only I was crochet ready for my next holiday. Enough.
So if you’ve never ventured into a vintage treasure trove – try it! The key is to take your time and have your eyes wide open. Buying in oppys is also a lovely way to give back. Hey, why not take your unwanted treasures in while you are at it! We are also blessed with some brilliant vintage stores in Adelaide, where the savvy owners are always bang on trend and no two are ever the same. You snooze and you lose, I love that!
My Favourite Vintage Finds
1. Pottery
My latest treasure is a gorgeous vintage yellow and sand coloured vase from Vintage Carousel in Bowden. I couldn’t leave without the handmade beauty.
2. Woollen Floor Rug
It lives on my verandah, and makes it oh so cosy – another room! It is huge and one of my best bargain finds from an Unley oppy.
3. Leather Jacket
One of my first ever ‘start the car’ heart pounding vintage finds was a 1970’s English soft as butter leather jacket. The best $15 ever spent. Mind you I can’t do it up anymore, so I mainly stare at it. She was from an oppy at Victor Harbor.
4. Mimco bag
From an oppy in Blackwood. $4.00 – say no more.
5. Marble candle holder
Another key is to look at items in a different light. A marble candle holder I bought recently sat all alone looking a bit d for daggy, but home amongst the growing collection it looks at home. $5 winner.
6. YSL vintage bag. You can’t tell me you can’t tell the difference between fake and the real deal especially with beautiful worn leather that only comes with age. Classic. I’m not telling you where I found this $10 gem!
7. Shoes
Some people cringe, but with a scrub who would know. I have bought the best leather boots, Hunter wellies and RM’s in the past year. Vintage gold.
Share the love I say and have fun before you start that car!
Mardi xx
