Op Shop Bonanza!

As you may or may not already know, I love Halloween. I mean LOVE it. Sometimes to the point where I want to move to America for the month, just so I can celebrate it. But sadly, I still live in Australia, so I just try to do my best.

This year, my friend Dan is hosting a party at her house, and my other friend Alex and I are helping to organise it. Now when I say helping, I actually mean taking over and going all OCD on their asses. What can I say, I'm a massive control freak and I shouldn't be allowed to make lists.

Anyway, for this super amazing party, we're theming Dan's house, like a House Of Horrors. 
So far we have guts, gore, ghouls and grossness. I don't want to ruin anything in case one of the party goers happens across this post, but I will update you after the party so you can see the amazingness that is me. 

In preparation for the party, Alex, Justin and I went shopping. Op shopping to be precise. We started in Fountain Gate at Savers, where we picked up some Styrofoam heads, a black velvet skirt and a couple of other bits and bobs. 

Then we headed out to Narre Warren and Cranbourne, in which we came up blank unfortunately. But not all hope was lost! 

We ventured to Dandenong, and came up chips! Alex found $8 Chuck Taylors in her size, and I found a leather jacket, which suits me, and my costume perfectly.



We ended up in Stud Park, where we found a black top to complete Dan's costume.

So all in all a very productive day! I'm so excited about the party and can't want to take all the photos to show you!

Love

Jayde xx

Beating The Big Two /end rant

We walk into the supermarket, with very little thought of where things came from or how they get there. We just throw them in our basket or trolley, and keep walking. Does anyone remember when Bob Katter declared that Coles and Woolworths have 80% of the market share? Well I'm sad to say but it's (pretty much, the figure varies from 70-80%) true. Our Big Two own such a huge part of our market that they can decide how much to charge for things, with very few ramifications. Remember the $1 milk debacle? Do you know how many local dairy farmers were forced out of business? No, neither do I, and I bet most of Australia doesn't realise how bad things are for our local farmers. Our amazing fragile planet has only so much to offer. We need to try and live in a sustainable way and cause as minimal impact on the planet as we can.

When you think about it, the fresh produce sold in The Big Two, could come from anywhere, and be as old as they like. Ever bought an apple, thinking it looked delicious, fresh and shiny, only to get home, take a nice big bite, and get that horrid floury taste? Yeah I hate it too. So what do I do about it? A few things actually:

Shop Locally - 

We know that The Big Two are massive chain super markets, so why not shop at IGA or Ritchies? These are small locally owned business. Most of the time they put money back into the community as well, so it's a win win. Yes, sometimes it might be more expensive, but you're only buying what you actually need, there are no isles dedicated to tricking you into needing DVDs, or cookbooks and other useless items. 

Shop Smart - 

There are other cheaper super markets that you can visit for your weekly or fortnightly grocery shop. My favourite is Aldi. They keep costs down by supplying their own brands, and they don't skimp on the quality. I love walking through the isles and getting almost everything I need. The only things I sometimes find it hard to buy are the fresh food, but that's mainly because they're out of stock by the time I get there. 

Shop Fresh - 

There's nothing as exciting as walking into the market early in the morning, seeing all the hustle and bustle of stall holders trying to sell their wares. I absolutely adore shopping at the market for my fresh fruit and veg. I get to make a joke and get to know the market people. I always get a good deal on my bananas, because I'm not afraid to haggle the price. I know, when I'm shopping at the market, that everything is fresh and delicious. The market is a great way to connect to the local community. You'll always get what's in season, so you know it's fresh, and haven't been stored in cool storage.

Shop Organically - 

The less chemicals we use now, the smaller the ramifications later. I don't want my children or I to be immune to penicillin because we ate too many food items with pesticides! There are plenty of independent organic stores around Melbourne. I'm not saying you have to do your weekly shopping there, but try a few things out every now and then.

Shop Online - 

You can find some of the most amazing things online! From online grocers to vegan female hygiene products. Whatever your cup of tea, you'll be able to find it online. You might have to pay a little extra for postage or delivery, but just think of it as replacing your petrol costs, car maintenance, and time used to actually shop for these things. 

Don't Shop, Grow - 

Our supermarkets are stocked with items from around Australia. This stock is delivered on the back of huge trucks. If the trucks stop (be it strike, petrol shortage etc) our shelves will go empty. So why not think ahead now, and grow some of your own fresh produce. Don't panic and think you have to grow a whole garden full of every type of fruit and veg. Just try a couple of easy things to start with, like tomatoes and strawberries. When you're comfortable with growing those, try your hand at other plants, like kale, pumpkin, potato and beans? It can be something as simple as a lemon tree in the back yard! Every little step helps.

So I hope I've given you something to think about, and some ideas on getting started.

Good luck and may the force be with you!

Jayde xx

WTM: Retro Hunting

It was 1:30pm, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and I was hunting for the perfect retro gem. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, but I would know when I saw it.

*Please note: you're in for a bit of a read, so feel free to grab a glass of wine and relax :)*

Walking down Smith Street, on my way to L&F, I stumbled across a lovely little store:

The Virtual Goddess

306 Smith Street, Collingwood

0438 989 834

www.thevirtualgoddess.com

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Virtual-Goddess

A cute little store, with trinkets and outfits for the retro queen in all of us. A lovely collection of vintage inspired cards and envelopes. They also have a lingerie section in the rear of the store, with a great selection of beautiful bras and knickers. At the front of the store they also have some lovely vintage kids toys still in boxes, and some replicas as well. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any photos, so I've grabbed some from their website. 

Lost & Found Market

1-5 Perry Street, Collingwood

9419 4477

http://www.lostandfoundmarket.com.au/

www.facebook.com/lostfoundmarket

I have never felt so at home in a store! The L&F is a collection of several permanent stall holders, all selling the most stunning items from eras long past. There are mens leather jackets, womens shoes, scarves, hats, jewellery, some amazing furniture, and knick knacks. It's two levels, and you end up walking in a large circle, but I could happily get lost in there for hours. There are racks upon racks of the most delightful vintage dresses from the 30's, 40's and 50's, as well as amazing retro outfits from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I happily went home with a vintage American bandana with the sweetest love hearts on it! I also happened upon Ms Kitty Vintage's stall (stall 38), which was filled with animal horns, clocks, and postcards (among other things of course), you can also look her up on Facebook, www.facebook.com/MsKittyVintage .

*N.B* There is also The Lost Weekend Vinatage Market, and I went down to East Brunswick trying to find it, but came up empty :(

A huge collection of Simpsons memorabilia!

Who doesn't love some peacock feathers?

This is such a sweet little corner

The Aquatic Vintage

Oh heavenly leopard print!

Stunning glasswares

One of the most amazing umbrella's I have ever seen, and only $25!

The Lovely Ms Kitty Vintage

Retrostar Vintage Clothing

First Floor, Nicholas Building

37 Swanston St (Cnr Flinders Lane), Melbourne

9663 1223

www.retrostar.com.au

It look me a little while to find Retrostar, because Flinders Lane isn't signed very well, but after a chat with a lovely fruit stall holder, I walked into one of the largest retro and vintage stores in Victoria. To be honest with you, I wasn't all that impressed. I love rifling through hair accessories and jewellery, but when I looked at their selection, everything was brand new and made in China. Not wanting to be completely put off, I moved past that section, and went looking at the dresses. Now this is what I'm talking about! The dresses are delightful! I didn't find one reproduction (not that I saw anyway), and they do have a very large selection. I went and had a look at another section of the store called "Retro Rock", which is filled with Americana styled items, including some great jackets, boots and belt buckles. Unfortunately, I also found many replicates and modern styled items, like sunglasses and jewellery. 

All in all it's not a bad store, I just wish the staff were nicer and more attentive, and they didn't play rubbish trance music.

Out Of The Closet - New & Vintage Clothing

238B Flinders Street, Melbourne

9639 0980

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Out-Of-The-Closet-new-and-vintage-clothing/199853713366271

InstaGram: @otcvintage

I stumbled across this store while walking back to my car, and by gosh am I glad I found them! This is a little gem of a store! They have all the head scarves you could ask for, as well as some amazing evening gowns. I went in search for some new additions to my coat rack, and left with two beautiful scarves. The staff were so helpful, and they even have a costume section!

The costume section

If you like what you see above, but would like some more ideas, please head to:

Vintage Shops Australia

www.vintageshops.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/vintageshopsaustralia

For stores in Melbourne:

Melbourne Vintage Clearance Centre (Pop Up Store)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melbournes-Vintage-Clearance-Centre

Minette's Vintage

https://www.facebook.com/MinettesVintage

376 Burnley Street, Richmond

9421 1884

Olivia Marcheline

https://www.facebook.com/oliviamarchelinefanpage

20 Collins Street, Melbourne

0403 503 577

For Online Stores:

That Retro Piece

http://ThatRetroPiece.etsy.com

Nouveau Retro

www.nouveauretro.com.au

Vintage & Nostalgia Co

www.vintagenostalgia.com.au

Hope you enjoyed reading! Stay tuned for some photos of my vintage finds!

Love always, 

Jayde xx