What's on: Polka Dot Vintage Market (August 15 - 16, 2015)

Photos courtesy of the Polka Dot Vintage Market Facebook page.

The only thing better than hitting the weekend market is stumbling across three at once! If you have a penchant for perusing stalls packed with vintage wares, crafts and antiques, then the 3 in 1 Market at Claremont Showgrounds is not to be missed.

The 3 in 1 Market makes a return for the second time this year, showcasing a range of handmade crafts, antiques and collectables. For lovers of all things vintage, this huge two-day event with over 300 indoor stalls will be a sure hit. The 3 in 1 Market is made up of Handmade Crafts, Antiques and Collectables and the very popular Polka Dot Vintage Market.

The Polka Dot Vintage Market will be the place to pick up a few goodies. Expect to find a range of eclectic and on-trend quality vintage clothing from the 1930s through to the 1990s, vinyl records and more. Retro clothing and accessories, collectables, retro homewares, vintage jewellery, up-cycled handmade wares and pre-loved designer fashions will also be a key feature across the weekend. A door prize of $2,000 is also up for grabs - don't miss out!

The 3 in 1 Market opens on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2015 from 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Adult tickets are $7, children under 10 go free. The event is held at Claremont Showground's exhibition centre.

How to get there: Transperth trains will stop at the Showground Station for this event. Make sure you visit the Transperth website in advance to plan your journey.

More details at the Claremont Showground website.

Top 10 Op Shopping Hacks

Op shopping in Australia is fantastic. It's a great way to avoid purchasing new and perfectly good cast-offs from heading to landfill, and you're lending your support to charities around the country. But for people who aren't lifelong op shoppers, these secondhand wonderlands can be confusing and intimidating. 

Admit it, you've been there. You get courageous, venture outside the modern retail store and dabble in a little op shopping... only to take a step through the door and feel instantly overwhelmed. Row upon row of stacked clothes and bric-a-brac in every corner. Eeek! You leave, running for your closest coffee shop to breathe deeply, inhale some caffeine and de-stress. But fear not, sceptical shopper. You can change that situation quicker than you can say 'I love to op shop!'

To celebrate National Op Shop Week (see my blog post about it here), I've compiled a list of my Top 10 Op Shopping Hacks.

1. Be armed with knowledge: Learn about clothing cuts, colours and styles before you launch headfirst into the world of op shopping. The best way to walk away with quality bargains is to stay fashion forward, but be open to trying new things that might work for your individual style. Taking time to know what pieces are of better quality will give you a keen eye for designer finds, quality fabrics and classic cuts. More on that here (Thrifting for Better Quality Brands and Fabrics)

2. Be selective about where you shop: Not all op shops were created equal so you need to be discerning with location. If you're looking for designer items, try secondhand stores in more affluent suburbs or even in regional towns. Depending on the area, stock will vary and some stores will receive higher quality donations than others. Research the shops in your area before you go to find out their main stock drop off days. The days following (when they've been unloaded onto the racks) is when you'll have the best chance of finding new items.

3. Shop when you have time: This is not a challenge to attempt when you're time poor. Op shops are best tackled when you have a whole day or an afternoon dedicated to the task. In that time you could easily get through a few shops in your local area. Having time to shop will allow you to feel fabrics for quality like wool or silk and look out for prints and colours you like. 

4. Dress appropriately: What's the best outfit to wear op shopping? Firstly, it needs to be comfortable to walk around in for a few hours. Secondly, you need to be able to slip it on and off in the change rooms with relative ease. Think about taking a bag with a long strap. You can sling it across your body, leaving your hands free for more important scrounging! Flats or sandals are a good choice for shoes. Go for something without laces or socks to meddle with when you're trying on potential purchases.

5. Be selective where you can: Going into an op shop with an open mind is always the best approach. If you have something specific you're looking for - great! But make sure you're open to other colours or styles. You just never know what you might find while you're there.

6. Know your bargain days: Every week, the Salvos have half price specials on a particular coloured tag, as all items are marked with a colour. So if it's half price purple tag week, keep an eye out for those purple tags! Salvos have also recently introduced a loyalty card system. You can read about it here. Good Sammys also offer discounts throughout the year. 

7. Don't forget the jewellery rack: Some of the best items can be found in the jewellery section, so don't forgo things on the racks, behind the counter or items on display in cabinets before you leave! You can find some real quality items in real silver or gold if you take the time to look. Check out that glass cabinet at the register and ask if the staff can take it out so you can rummage through. You might just find something valuable or unique! Here's a post I did on some of my recent finds.

8. Check the entire store: Hardworking volunteers are the lifeblood of op shops in Australia. They spend hours organising and labelling items up for sale. But combine a huge stock intake and customers who don't always return items to their original home, and clothing can end up all around the store. I once found a beautiful knitted blouse in the children's section. So check out all the racks for fashion and treasures. You never know what you might find.

9. Think 'up-cycle': Up-cycling takes sustainable living to a whole new level. Clothing materials can be up-cycled into children's clothing or bags. Fabrics can make great cushion covers, mugs could be reused as small plant holders. Use that imagination and be creative! Pinterest and Etsy are great places to look for inspiration. 

10. Give back: I'm a big believer in sustainable living and good karma, so when it comes to end of the season a huge spring clean is always in order. Take out those pieces that haven't made it out of the closet all winter and donate them to your local op shop. What comes around, comes around, eh? 

Need some inspiration? Check out my Pinterest account.

If you have any great op shopping tips or experiences, share them in the comments below!

Flatlay: Pairing together neutral shades for winter

I love the neutral colour palette in today's flatlay. There's something about this combination which feels beautiful and romantic. We've had a few very cool, wet days in Perth this week - it seems like we're finally getting a hint of winter on the west coast. That's cool, winter. It's only the end of July, no pressure. That in mind, I haven't been in the mood for bright colours this week, so I've been working with some of these cooler neutral colours. They're basics that go with just about anything. Think browns, greys, black, white, beige, etc.

In general, I think neutrals can convey an air of sophistication and elegance. That being said, they can become boring if used exclusively, or if they're untempered by other types of visual interest  (things like texture, detail or even silhouette). These pieces were an easy pick because they're happily layered with other colours and I've been able to pair them with leggings / tights, depending on the weather of the day. I find that the more neutrals you incorporate in your day-to-day wear, the easier it is to build outfits from only a few pieces. A colour combination that I've been loving this winter has been soft pink and grey - it's a beautiful pairing.

For me, the colours in this flatlay conjure images of cozying up in a log cabin on a soft rug, warmed by a roaring fire. But that's just my overactive imagination (and totally wishful thinking!) How about you?

The look:

Jane Debster pink heels - Vinnies - $4
Novo flats (new with tags) - Salvos - $4

Flower tunic - Salvos - $2.25
Evolve bird top - Salvos - $3.25
Cellini Sport handbag - Salvos - $4 (Total score, it was new! These things retail over $100 at Myer / David Jones today)
Rose necklace - Vinnies - 50 cents
Sportsgirl floral skirt - Vinnies - $1.25
Picnic brown top - Save the Children - $1.50

What's on: Men's Night at Vinnies Retro Shop (Thursday, July 30, 2015)

Ladies, here's a chance to send your man out on the town for the night. I'm appealing to you as I realise my demographic here is largely women :) And men, if you've managed to find this blog of your own accord, good on you (and thank you for stopping by!) Vinnies Retro Shop (Shop 2 / 142 High Street, Fremantle) is running a Men's Night, this Thursday, July 30.

The event runs from 5 - 6.30pm and celebrates the arrival of new menswear. Help Vinnies improve its men's section. Drinks and snacks will be provided on the night. Sounds like rollicking good fun. Why not go along with your man?

Vinnies Retro Shop in Fremantle is one of two in the Perth area and, as the name indicates, is affiliated with St Vincent de Paul. Specialising in vintage secondhand wares, this shop really is a must for anyone wanting to find some classic vintage pieces. I've shopped there myself in the past and have found a number of really nice pieces. They might be a little more pricey than your average Australian op shop, but the clothes, books and accessories have been handpicked, making the job of trawling for goodies that little bit easier.

Stock at the Vinnies Retro Shop is constantly being replenished, so if you're a regular visitor to Fremantle, this is a spot to return to again and again.

Other op shops to check out in the area (if you want to make a day of it) include the Red Cross shop at 37 Market Street, Down Town Rags at 45 High Street, Dufus Clothing Shop at 130 High Street, Good Sammy at 142 High Street, Anglicare at 181 High Street, Salvos at 3/5 Josephson Street and Boutique Unique at 197 High Street. As you can see, you could easily get through a few within seconds of each other! 

How to get to Vinnies Retro Shop (Shop 2 / 142 High Street, Fremantle): According to the Fremantle website, there is 30 minute free parking available on High Street (west of Market Street), but longer term (paid) parking is also available around the area.

If you're taking the train in and don't mind a short walk, exit the Fremantle Train Station and walk north-east towards Peter Hughes Drive, turn right onto Elder Place and then turn left onto Queen Street. Go through two roundabouts. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto High Street and Vinnies Retro Shop will be on your left. It should only take 5-8 minutes to walk from the station.

What has been your favourite retro find? What sort of pieces do you look for when you shop retro specific? Leave a comment and let me know! 

OOTD: Nothing but blue skies

The lovely backdrop in today's OOTD is Central Park in Joondalup, Perth. Gorgeous spot in winter!

Photos by Reg Vardy.

Perth's mild winter weather this year hasn't exactly been suited to heavy winter woolies. But that hasn't stopped me from hunting for unique and mildly-wintery pieces in op shops around the city. So... dress + a cute print = a true any-season essential. The equation's a no-brainer, really, but the pattern in question is definitely creative. I've seen a ton of dresses blanketed in some of our finer feathered friends. So whether you're an avian enthusiast, or simply in the market for a kitschy-cool look, this outfit has winter written all over it. 

While most of the choices you find on the shelf today will suit the summer season, I've found you can always team the look with cosy layers for a perfect transitional update. Keep an eye on the blog for a new outfit with that in mind! Some of the vibrant bird motifs I've seen include owls, black bird silhouettes and canaries. Going on my best guess, these might be pink galahs. Orrrrrrr, they're just pretty birds. I'm happy either way. Birds can add an enchanting and sophisticated appeal to an outfit. Hopefully today's OOTD will give you some pretty and feminine ideas for your next look.

How do you incorporate prints into your winter look? Have you found a new love this season?

Today's look:

Bird dress - Save the Children - $4

Tights - My own 

Boots - Girl Express (Mentioned these in a recent flatlay post) - $2.25

Blue cardigan - Salvos - $2.25

Floral ring - Salvos - $3.25

Event coverage: Scroungers Day Garage Sale

Shenton Park's ParaQuad building was overflowing when I dropped in on Sunday morning. I was determined to face the crowds and find a few bargains at the July Scroungers Day Garage Sale, which I posted about a little over a week ago. To say the event was big would almost be an understatement! With my mother in tow, we joined the seemingly endless queue, curling its way around the industrial building, took a deep breath, and we were in!

There were literally thousands of items for sale in the main area, set up on beautifully ordered tables, each with their own area sign. For the discerning, not to mention early attendee, bargains were aplenty. The event was a collector's paradise under one roof - everything from bottles, jugs, tools, games, bags and buttons to ornamentals, cameras, dolls, pottery and glass.

I think even Imelda Marcos would have reeled seeing the enormity of the shoe rack on Sunday. Were it not for my enormous feet, erm, my hard-to-find demands for size 9 (40) shoes and dislike of stiletto heels, I would have done a lot better out of this part of the sale! Nonetheless, I did take home a cute (and new) pair of brown tie-up flats, which I'll post a photo of later. 

One of the best organised departments had to be the Book Bazaar, adjoining the main hall. Every book held its rightful place in the building, organised alphabetically by author surname, by genre and topic. This really appealed to my love of order and literature. I had the most fun browsing the books that they hadn't been able to categorise. Some of my favourite titles ranged from The Upside of Undertaking, Teach Yourself - Collecting and French First Names :D

Those four books (above) were what I ended up taking home from a section that could have been titled 'Very-very-very-old-books'. A few highlights from The Young Man's Companion or Friendly Adviser to Educational Knowledge, Worldly Council and Gentlemanly Deportment - based on works compiled in 1866: 

"To excel in conversation: Never talk much unless solicited to do so. Suit your conversation to company and occasion. Do not be over fond of telling stories. Do not look at the ceiling, look out a window, play with a dog, or handle a book. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this and nothing is so offensively ill-bred."

aaaaaand...

"Before going to a ball or party, it is not sufficient that you consult your mirror twenty times. You must be personally inspected by your servant or a friend. From want of this precaution, I once saw a gentleman enter a ballroom, attired with scrupulous elegance, but with one of his suspenders curling in graceful festoons about his feet. His glass could not show what was behind."

I love finding these old books, graced with small insights into the opinions and mannerisms of years gone by. You may well be thrown a few of these in coming weeks as I get a chuckle out of the rest of this book :)

Want something to do next weekend? Check out the Golden West Collectors Fair, running across Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26.

What has been your favourite find at an event like this?

How to: Freshen your thrifted bags and purses

A leather handbag could cost $100 or more in the store, but find that same gem at a thrift store and the price is likely to be less than $10. Such is the beauty of shopping secondhand! This is one of the best ways to find high-end labels for less than clearance prices at a typical retail shop. Don't miss out on taking home a great bargain because of the discomfort of buying a product that has been used by someone else. With a little tender loving care, it's easy to make bags feel (and smell) like new again.

Here's one I worked on this week...

I picked this bag up at Vinnies this month for just $4! I was taken by the old upholstered style. The bag was in great condition when I found it but needed freshening up.

Meet Mickey, our family cat. He honed in on the possibility of something soft and went for it!

Cats... Definitely time to throw this one in the wash! (The bag :p) 

I immersed the bag in a bucket full of warm water and half a lid of eucalyptus wool mix to give it a proper clean. After a few minutes soaking I rinsed the bag out in clean, warm water before hanging it on the line. Best to leave it out to dry for a few days if the weather is as damp / cold on your end it is here in wintery Perth!

Depending on the material, cleaning can be quite a process, but I think it's worth it - especially if you've found a nice vintage purse. When it comes to hand-washing, use your discretion and always check the labels on the bag for tips before you get too water-happy with a bag that might not take it!

Ditch the dirt Even the best bag owners will find tiny particles of dirt, dust and paper accumulate in their bag. Once these are donated to a thrift store, more dust is likely to accumulate while your bag waits for you to take it home. So this is an important step. Use the wand attachment on your vacuum to suck out any crumbs, lint, etc. It may be easier to turn the bag inside out, or turn it upside down and shake it to get rid of all the residual dirt. 

General cleaning for most bags Use a damp (not wet) cloth moistened with soapy water. Wipe lightly over the whole bag, inside and out. If the fabric gives you cause to worry about water damage, skip this step. A good way to make sure you've caught all the little bits of dirt is to take a damp Q-tip and reach into the corners of the bag. You'll be surprised what you find! Use baby wipes to clean up those little marks that have been left on the lining of the bag. 

Cleaning leather bags If you want to clean a leather product, invest in a proper leather cleaning product to shine up the exterior. Chances are, vintage leather bags have been stored in attics and cupboards and likely need a good clean and condition. For your leather and leather-alikes, use the leather cleaner and follow up with a conditioner, if you can find one. The important thing is to keep the bag's leather soft and avoid losing the quality due to drying and cracking. Use a fresh cloth until there's no more dirt coming off. And remember: Follow the directions on the label - you will be surprised just how beautiful your bag will look after some love.

Cleaning patent bags You can use Windex on patent bags, but always do a test spot first. Whoa, hold up. Don't spray Windex directly onto your bag either. Best way to do it is spray onto a cleaning cloth first and then wipe lightly. If the bag is slightly soiled, use something like a Magic Eraser (and again, test it on the bottom of the bag). Note: Magic Erasers can sometimes dull patent leather bags if they're used too vigorously. If you want to add shine to your patent bag, use a steam iron. Hold the iron about two inches (roughly five centimetres) from your bag and apply a few bursts of steam onto your purse. Take a soft cloth afterwards and buff the surface. The steam should heat the patent and smooth the finish - and voila! Shiny! 

Be careful If you try any of these tips, I would highly recommend you testing a small (hidden) spot to make sure it won't ruin the material. Again, not all fabrics are the same so use your best judgment before hand washing.

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Above all, use your bags and enjoy them!

Lauren xoxo

What's on: Scroungers Day Garage Sale (Sunday, July 19, 2015)

If you consider yourself a bit of a Womble, then the Scroungers Day Garage Sale could prick up your ears and make your pointy nose twitch. These events take place in Perth only three times a year, meaning there'll be plenty on offer on the day. There are hundreds of bargains to be had for the devoted scrounger, with quality furniture, bric-a-brac, vintage clothing, white goods and household items touted to feature at this year's event. 

The Scroungers Day bric-a-brac paradise is waiting for you

Even Imelda Marcos might face some tough competition with this shoe collection

Both photos have been used with permission of the Spine and Limb Foundation Inc.

Even better, it's all for a good cause. All money on the day will head to the registered charity, the Spine & Limb Foundation, of which ParaQuad Industries is a division. The goods you see displayed on Sunday, July 19 have been received through the network of charity bins throughout the Perth Metropolitan area or through their on-site donation point. 

While you're there, Book Bazaar will be open, with a large number of quality used books. Opportunity Knocks, the retro and pre-loved clothing store will also be open for the discerning scrounger to hunt out hidden gems.

If you'd like to volunteer, you're welcome to help set up or run a stall. Give them a call on (08) 9381 0195 for more information.

How to get there? When you arrive at 10 Selby Street, turn onto Ellis Griffiths Avenue. The ParaQuad building is about 300 metres along.

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Event notices are something I'd like to look at doing more of in the future.

Have an event coming up? Let me know. Email centsofdiscovery@gmail.com and we'll take it from there.