As for the Salvo’s, being that the Salvation Army are essentially a church based charity and Sunday being ‘church day’ I don’t think the near future will see the Salvo’s trading on a Sunday “Since Sunday is the day on which Salvationists enjoy opportunity for worship and the proclamation of the gospel, the day should be kept free from unnecessary work.” http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us_65047/about-the-salvation-army/positional-statements–and–guidelines/statement-on-sunday-observance.html

However they do have an ebay shop that they are trialling at the moment…you can find that here: http://stores.ebay.com.au/salvosstores thanks to Kelly fromwww.yougotthatatanopshop.blogspot.com for that recent update!

Have you checked the weather today? It’s amazing outside….get out and enjoy the rays (with plenty of sunscreen and a hat by the way!!)

Pictured…
Model: Sheridan Dinsdale
Photographer: Me (www.retrotrashphotography.com)
Wearing: Leather studded skirt (Up-cycled for WTSTA range) & Denim sleeveless tie up shirt $4.99 from Salvo’s.

So I think it’s time for MORE tips….

1.       Don’t go in with high expectations – the amount of times I have walked into an op shop and came out with nothing is quite a regular occurrence. Some days, you just can’t bag that bargain you are looking for! But don’t let that get you down, try again the week after (on a Tuesday) because I suspect people give their clothes to Op Shops on the weekend and they get to sift through on Monday and putting out in the stores TUESDAY.

2.       Take your time and spend a good hour in ONE op shop…some days I look through every single rack, that includes the kids and men’s section! I have found plenty of things put in the wrong sections! OR sz 16 girl’s that fit me like an 8/10!

3.       Be a regular!!! Some places have a high turnover and bags and bags of goodies being put out each day if not each few hours, if you are a regular, you can sometimes get things as they are being put on the racks. Source your locals and go after work! (Most large chain op shops close at 5-5:30)

4.       Check a magazine before entering an Op Shop, you might bypass something you think is completely out of fashion but with the way fashion is these days anything goes! If it’s in a mag – then you are up to date as you can be in the industry!

·         Drug ARM WA, 56 Fourth Road, Armadale WA

·         Vinnies Armadale Centre, 13/47 William Street ARMADALE, WA , 6112

·         Good Sammy’s Balcatta, 10 / 257 Balcatta Rd 6021

·         Ballajura Salvos, Shop 32-33 Illawarra Crescent, Ballajura WA 6066

Cannington – I haven’t been to these often so I can’t say too much.

·         Vinnies Victoria Park Centre, 824 Albany Highway VICTORIA PARK, WA , 6100

·         Nulsen Op Shop, 907 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park

·         Vinnies Gosnells Centre, Unit 6/2155 Albany Highway GOSNELLS, WA , 6110

Joondalup – have only ventured here once, must go back!

·         Joondalup Salvos, 2/116 Winton Road, Joondalup WA 6027

Kelmscott – retro retro retro! Also left behind designer black pants with leather inserts with tags and price because they were too small

·         Maddington Anglicare, 80 Attfield Street Maddington WA 6109

Midland – spend a whole day looking at all of these, you WON’T be disappointed! They are not all in the best condition but it’s worth hunting out gems for!

·         Vinnies Midland Centre, 285 Great Eastern Highway MIDLAND, WA , 6056

·         Save The Children – Midland, 8B The Crescent, Midland 6056

·         Good Sammy, 3 164-168 Great Eastern Hwy

·         Morley Salvos, 156 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062

Mt Hawthorn – I found a nice dress here once but have only been here twice.

·         Mount. Hawthorn Salvos, 139 Buxton St, Mount. Hawthorn WA 6016

Perth – I personally don’t go much on city Op Shops…I think because so many people go to them you NEED to be there when they put the pieces out or they get snapped up immediately!

{Outfit}

Dress: Good Samaritan’s – $6
Dress: Good Samaritan’s – $7
Purse : Drug Arm WA – $10
Shoes: Red Cross– $2
My own: Jacket (Burberry), Sunglasses (Tom Ford)

Couldn’t resist doing another post with this chevron striped dress. I’ve teamed it up with my Burberry jacket – a jacket which converts to a longer trench coat with a simple zip!

Sorry for the short post tonight! I had unlimited wine tonight so therefore this post will have limited words! Be sure to catch my last restyle post tomorrow!

{Outfit}

Skirt: Good Samaritan’s– $10
Gold Bangles: Vinnie’s– 50c each
Clear Bangle: Good Samaritan’s– $2
My own: Top and Sunglasses (Witchery), Scarf (Louis Vuitton), Belt (Sass and Bide), Shoes (Nine West)

Another beach outfit but this time I’ve mixed leather, leopard and stripes.

Crazy weather today in Perth but thankfully got some sunshine at last!

{Outfit}

Skirt: Good Sammy’s – $12.50
Necklace: Red Cross – $6
Clutch: Good Sammy’s – $5
Shoes: Red Cross– $2
My own: Top (Elliatt), Watch (Michael Kors), Bracelet (J-Crew)

Only five three* days left for this challenge. Where did the time go?

I’m liking this mustard yellow pleat and floral combo. It’s a change from wearing all black don’t you think?

*Edit – Yikes only 3 days left!

{Outfit}

Top: St Vinnie’s – $7
Cardigan: Salvation Army – $4.50
Skirt:  Good Samaritan’s  – $4
Shoes: Red Cross – $2
My own: Necklace (Stella and Dot)

It was another glorious day today so we walked to the local park. My little one is now old enough to go up on the slide herself and she keeps going up and down until we tell her it’s time to go!

I’ve worn this red skirt numerous times for work but today I’ve worn it casually teaming it with my favourite op shopped flats.

I often wear pencil skirts (as you can probably tell) – they always seem to tuck in the right places and accentuate what little curves I have!

I can already smell spring in the air. My family and I are definitely looking forward to spending more time outdoors and I’m sure plenty of that time will be spent in a park of some sort!

How was your weekend?

{Outfit}

Top (Stripe): Vinnie’s– $7
Top (Polka dot): Good Sammy’s – $6
Bangle : Good Sammy’s – $4
My own: Shorts (One Teaspoon), Bag (Balenciaga)

This morning I had my first Personal Training session since getting married. I predict I probably won’t be able to walk in two days. My legs are so sore!

This afternoon we also travelled to the northern suburbs of Perth (or ‘Little Britain’ as I call it, since as so many Brits reside here) to see some display homes as we finally have gotten off our backsides to start the subdivision/building process again.

And since we travelled all this way we thought it was best to at least check out some of the beaches out this way – and because it was a nice sunshiny day.

And here is was what I wore today. I threw this on 5 minutes before heading out of the door as I’m not the type to dress up to the beach. I’m wearing the polka top I wore in this post as an outer layer, as I thought the horizontal stripe and denim shorts were too stereotypically nautical.

How has your weekend been? 

{Outfit}

Dress: Save the Children– $8
Bracelet: Good Samaritan’s– $2
My own: Bag (Louis Vuitton), Shoes (Hobbs London)

Can you believe the price of this dress? It’s handmade and I love the beading on the sleeves. As this is the only white dress I’ve worn since my wedding, I thought it was appropriate that I wear my wedding shoes.

What do you think of my outfit?

{Outfit}

Shirt: Salvation Army– $7.99
Necklace: Good Samaritan’s– $7
Wedges: Good Samaritan’s – $5
My own: Bag (Chanel), Skirt (Empire Rose), Stockings (Primark)

I’m wearing a Charles Tyrwhitt shirt. It’s a British brand and it’s flagship store is located on Jermyn Street in London. This street is famous for shirt makers as Thomas Pink and T.M. Lewin also have their flagship stores located here too.

I find it difficult to find good quality work shirts without paying hefty prices in Australia. My English husband introduced me to all these Jermyn Street brands and if you ever pick up a British GQ magazine or been to the London you will notice how British guys dress very well for work (and I’m not biased…well maybe a bit!).

It isn’t just about L, M or S in sizing. But the fit, style, fabric/weave, stitching, collar, cuffs are all factors and we haven’t even started on the accessories yet! My husband is very particular about shirts and some of this has rubbed off on me…

I wore this multicolour stripe shirt for work and didn’t have to travel to the UK as I picked it up for an absolute steal in the Salvo’s op shop in Morley. This post shows how I’ve taken the corporate (afternoon) look to an evening function. I simply changed my bag, added a statement necklace, and put on some stockings and voila I’m off to after work drinks!

What do you look for in the perfect shirt?

{Outfit}

Top: Good Sammy’s– $6
Skirt: Good Sammy’s– $4
Bangle: Vinnies– 50c
Nailpolish: Anglicare– 50c
My Own: Bag (Louis Vuitton), Shoes (Christian Louboutin), Necklace (Jennifer Zeuner)

I’m wearing polka dots instead of stripes for a change! Together with my op shopped red skirt, this outfit is bright and cheery for work.

{Outfit}

Top: Save the Children– $2
Cardigan (brown) : Anglicare – $5
Snake Ring: Good Samaritan’s– $6.50
Bangles: Vinnie’s– 50c each
Nail polish (Ultra 3) : Anglicare– 50c
Own: Jeans (Dr Denim), Shoes (Hobb), Necklace (House of Harlow), Cardigan

I forwent feathers today and reverted back to more of my usual attire. T-shirt, layers and jeans. But a pop of 80′s colour on my nails and a fierce looking snake on my finger make me feel just a little bit different still.

{Outfit}

Blazer : Good Samaritan’s – $15
Skirt: Good Samaritan’s – $4
My Own: Shirt, belt (Sass & Bide), necklace (Jet & Ruby)

Train services were down today so I took the bus. It took a bit longer to get home, so I missed the opportunity to take photos during the day and had to rely on my dodgy flash – hence the average photos today!

What do you think of my outfit? I love the subtle rose and pleat detailing on this skirt. I paired it with my op shopped pink blazer and wore this to work.

Happy Friday everyone! Be sure to visit again tomorrow as I’ll be posting another Restyle ‘Look of the Day’ (LOTD).

{Outfit}

Coat: St Vinnie’s – $8
Cardigan: Good Samaritan’s – $12.50
Necklace: Good Samaritan – $7
My own: Dress (Urban Oufitters), Shoes (Missoni Converse), Stockings (Primark)

The weather in Perth is bipolar at the moment. One minute it’s really hot and the next I’m shivering from the cold. So this bright yellow coat which keeps me warm is perfect for this type of weather.

{Outfit}

Jacket: Good Sammy’s – $15
Top: Vinnie’s – $7
My own: Boots (Zomp), Scarf (Hermes) Jeans (Dr Denim)

This United Colors of Benetton jacket was only $15! What a bargain right? It reminds me of a safari suit. A safari suit with houndstooth.

{Outfit}

Top: St Vinnie’s – $7
Skirt: Good Sammy’s – $12.50
Boots: Red Cross – $30.00
Necklace: Good Sammy’s – $6
My own: Jacket (Three Floor Fashion), Bag (Alexander Wang)

It’s funny how after seeing these pictures, I’ve come to like this outfit. The skirt and top aren’t ‘on trend’. Nor are they old enough to be vintage but wearing it with some items which are bold and loud somehow makes it all come together.

Do you wear flowers in winter? I’m not sure if this is a fashion faux pas, but since we are approaching spring in Australia, I doubt I’ll be offending anyone.

Anyway, does anyone else find there is this general misconception that op shopping and vintage shopping are one and the same? There are some op shops which specialise in vintage gear (e.g. Retro Vinnies etc), but most op shops are full of clothes which aren’t of a style or age to be classified as vintage. Don’t get me wrong, you may pick up a vintage item from a general op shop but you will have to look a lot harder compared to going to a speciality vintage store or a market.

So if you are like me and you don’t suit the ‘head-to-toe’ vintage look, you should still give op shopping a try as you won’t know what special item you may find…vintage or not…

{Outfit}

Cardigan: Good Samaritan’s– $8
Skirt: Good Samaritan’s – $15
Necklace: Red Cross – $15.95
Wedges: Good Samaritan’s – $5
My own: Bag (Alexander Wang)

I feel so lady-like in this outfit. I had to toughen the look a bit with a bulky studded bag and bold jewellery to better represent ‘me’. Otherwise it seems like I’m doing the ‘Stepford wife’ look.

But that is the great thing about op shopping. You can experiment and try different looks as there is such a variety to choose from. Added bonus is that it will be cheaper than grabbing lunch in Perth.

I do love a good wedge and couldn’t believe I have survived for this long without a classic black pump wedge. Walking to work in these would be more bearable for the feet than heels and tremendously classier than wearing sneakers or *gasp* even worst…thongs (Australian for ‘flip flops’).

And all the gold jewellery I’m wearing must be helping the Australian Olympic team as they snatched up two more gold medals in London yesterday. So I will continue wearing it!

What do you think of my outfit? What do you wear on your feet on your daily commute?

{Outfit}

Skirt: Good Samaritan’s – $10
T-shirt: Save the Children – $2
Cardigan:  Good Samaritan’s – $12.50
Necklace: Good Samaritan’s – $7
My own: Leather Jacket (Anna N Rita), Sunglasses (Witchery)

This t-shirt was a real steal for $2. It’s by the Nana Judy brand so it was probably intended for a male, but as an oversized tee I’m not overly fussed.  A black tee is such a staple so you will be seeing lots of posts featuring this particular top.

Maxi skirts are great for all seasons and since you can tell I’m quite addicted to anything with horizontal stripes –  so this purchase shouldn’t come as a surprise!

I paired my opshopped finds with an old leather jacket but to make the outfit look a bit more softer I layered a white knit over it.

What do you think of my look?

{Outfit}

Top: St Vinnie’s – $5
Cardigan: Anglicare – $10
Necklace: Good Samaritan – $7
Shoes: Red Cross – $2
My own: Jeans (JBrand), Cuff (Hermes)

As you can probably tell from my posts I’m a big fan of the classic style. This style evolved as I had less time to think-about-what-the-hell-I-was-going-to-wear in the morning and relied on looks which were practical but still looked put together. You won’t catch this mumma ever wear trackies outside…EVER. Actually you won’t catch me wearing trackies indoors either…

The stripe top is a classic basic everyone should own. Even Victoria Beckham revoked her rule of never wearing horizontal stripes to acknowledging it’s chic factor and therefore something she now wears. And we all know how much better Victoria looks as times goes by….

But I’m quite a quirky (re: weird) person so I still like to somehow incorporate a bit of a twist to my outfits – even if it’s just a casual look. The sequin cardigan makes this outfit a lot more fun and along with my houndstooth jeans I know I’m going to look every much the individual.

Does anyone else immediately feel more glamorous when they wear something with sequins? Even though this is a just a top, jeans and cardigan look, the quirky details makes it seem a bit more special right?

I wasn’t sure what kind of jewellery I was going to find on this challenge so was prepared for some DIY. But I’ve found some beautiful jewellery (such as the gorgeous necklace) and can’t imagine stripping them apart in the hope I can make something better.

And who says you can’t mix gold with silver? I adore these gold flats. What a bargain for $2. Gotta love opshopping.

What do you guys think of this outfit?

{Oufit}

Skirt: Good Samaritan’s – $4
Top: Good Samaritan’s – $4
Jacket: Good Samaritan’s– $15
Snake Ring: Good Samaritan’s– $6.50
My own: Shoes (Christian Louboutin), Watch (Michael Kors), Necklace (J-Crew),Bag (Louis Vuitton)

Red is the new black. Last year I wore so much black in winter that I was adamant that this year I’ll try to wear more colour. I’m inclined to wear my red jeans everyday but after seeing this red skirt, I can now introduce a bit of red to work.

This pastel pink jacket from afar probably wouldn’t have been a normal choice for me, but after seeing a chevron like zig zag pattern on close inspection, I had to have it!

What do you think of my outfit?

Photography- Penny Lane
Makeup – Lauren Wood
Hair- Renos on St Quentin for L’Oreal
Clothes – Skirt (Opshop), Top (Opshop), Jacket (Dotti), Necklaces (Dinosaur Design, J-crew), Bracelets (Hermes, J-Crew), Watch (Michael Kors), Shoes (Opshop), Stockings (Primark)

I’m part of a challenge (with 9 other WA bloggers) to not buy anything new for 30 days. I will be posting daily outfit posts with the majority of clothes being opshopped.

This is a mammoth task for me as I’m such an online shopping junkie. I love the whole process. Knowing how easy it is to acquire such pretty things without leaving my living room. Waiting in anticipation to see if the parcel has arrived at work. Taking in the fragrance of freshness as I unfold the new clothes out of their packaging…

But fashion is much more than buying new things. And wearing what you think you should wear. There is something so empowering when you know you aren’t blindly following the masses. And the creativeness which comes from creating a look which speaks from the soul.

And this is why I also love opshopping. You can still look incredible and make even more of a statement when there is a story behind your look – whether it was the thrill of finding a great bargain or the time period in which it was produced – wearing total opshopped or mixing it with the new guarantees you will look and feel more special.

So even though I going to miss online shopping, this challenge sure is fun! I’ve found some fantastic bargains already and nothing beats the feeling of finding something totally unexpected and unique. I wonder what I’m going to find in the depths of my closets?

Be sure to visit my blog during August to see my daily looks!

And be sure to also check out www.perthfashionfestival.com.au/restyle  and the following lovely ladies also participating in this challenge:

• www.blondesuburbia.net
• www.bonniefridayblog.com
• www.gininateacup.com
• www.hugsized.blogspot.com
• www.lefanciulle.blogspot.com
• www.lovefromshell.blogspot.com
• www.lovethymuse.com
• www.peanutmoonbeamknickers.blogspot.com
• www.thevintagevalley.blogspot.com

Wish me luck!!!

The first thing, and I’m really in love with it, is this brown leather satchel. It holds about 12 Frankie magazines (which I used to fill it out) and also fits my Macbook, perfect! I haven’t used it yet for uni because I don’t really need to carry around many books but it will be great for winter so I will use all $5 of it to the extreme!

I also got a few skirts, all for $2 each. First is a white Cue skirt which has a little stain on it but that’s a given with secondhand white clothing really. Second is a grey A-line skirt which is perfect if I want to get a job as a secretary in the 50′s. And lastly there is a black pleated skirt, it’s a little too big as it sits on my hips when it would look better a bit high-waisted so my lovely mother who is highly skilled at sewing will be taking it in at the zip when she has the time (or when she’s sick of my nagging).

It says it’s a 12 but it really fits a modern-day 10

And last but not least I found this black leather belt with a wonderful gold buckle. It’s already quite well-worn but it only adds character (or so I keep telling myself). It was $3 and it is great for cinching in dresses at the waist. I also wear it to make my boring black work wear a little more interesting so it’s getting a good workout!

I will definitely be going back to this Good Sammy’s, it’s a huge store and you are bound to find something in there!

Good Sammy’s Belmont
8/199 Abernethy Road, Belmont, 6104
9479 1006

]]> http://secondlastchance.net/2011/04/05/forever-twirling/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:28 +0000 Jennnifer Schüssler http://secondlastchance.net/2011/04/05/forever-twirling/ On a hot autumn day not too long ago I went to Fremantle with my good friend Nat to see if we could find anything good at the op shops. On High St there is a Good Sammy’s, Vinnies Retro and Anglicare and they aren’t the best for vintage finds because they are quite busy with general shoppers so I wouldn’t recommend them unless you are in the area for some other reason and have time to kill. Even though we didn’t find much at least we got to enjoy some frites and cider at Little Creatures, probably the main reason why I ever go to Fremantle these days.

This skirt I found for $5 will definitely become a favourite once the temperature drops a bit, I can’t wait to twirl in it!

Boyfriend Blazer $15.99

Blazer $9.99 (with Sportsgirl badge added $7.95)

Detailing on Blazer

Earrings 50c!

All up I spent a teeny tiny $26.48 and scored two blazers and a pair of earrings!! Yes, I will be going back again. Pop your Good Sammy’s cherry, I dare ya!

The First Casualty
xx