OPSHOPPING VINTAGE AND DESIGNER CLOTHES

If there is anything that I truly love (other than Lily), it is the experience of opshopping at charity stores like the Salvos and St. Vinnies.

I first developed this obsession in my early 20s when I was obsessed with rock’n’roll dancing and wanted to wear the clothes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.  I would go to trendy opshops and buy things like dresses and cardigans from that era.  As I was a uni student, funds were limited, so I would choose classic pieces wisely.  I also had a wonderful mother who was an excellent seamstress, and she would make me dresses 👗 , blouses, and skirts from that era that were individual, meaning no one else had them

I will let you in on a little secret of mine from that time. I did love the style of Laura Ashley and Country Road at that time but there was no way I could usually afford that style,  so I would save up and about once or twice a year I would visit Laura Ashley or Country Road’s clearance centre in Richmond and buy myself one piece of their clothing, be it a skirt or blouse or 👗 dress and wear these with the genuine vintage piece or the pieces my mother made for me.  When you have limited funds, this mishmash of second-hand vintage and designer clothes is the way to go. Think of Molly Ringwald’s character of Andie Walsh in Pretty In Pink, and you have my inspiration in my own way.  Fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and you can find excellent value for money if you are willing to second-hand hand clothes.  Some of my more lovely finds as a young lady came from vintage stores around Prahran or South Yarra, Camberwell etc.  Be prepared to go fossicking for clothes in different places,  take a friend and make a day of it, and have a nice lunch on the way and chat about your wonderful vintage finds. Not only are you investing in your wardrobe, you are supporting some pretty wonderful  charities along the way. Shop to you drop and enjoy.