Raindrops and Raffia

I love my friends and spending time with them. I enjoy my job and do like going into the office. However I love a day all to myself to shop, sip coffee and browse ze shops. I decided to treat myself and go hunting for special treasures today despite the wet weather we are having in Brisbane. I slapped on my jeans and lace ups and hit the streets of Wynnum. When me and I my husband first moved in together we lived in Wynnum. It's a nice spot near the bayside with a thrift shop on just about every corner, no lie.

I find that these thrift stores are really picked over and you really have to look hard to find what you want. But it's all part of the thrill really isn't it! I had a look at all of the thrift stores and also a few second-hand furniture stores. They have heaps of clothing, shoes, bags, books and general brick-a-brack. They also had a cute shop with a retro diner style table setting, unfortunate for me it wasn't open but would love to go back and look. I found myself flitting around these stores really searching through everything, turning things over and pondering on what to purchase. When I go thrift shopping I don't like to spend over 10 dollars per item but I will go over that depending on quality and if it's a must have piece that has caught my eye. I have noticed some thrift stores do jack prices up for things that are rare or popular picks, other stores you can get beautiful things dirt cheap I guess it's a score when you find these shops. I did see some beautiful desert dishes but they were an incomplete set and they wanted 20 dollars. It's all about spending your money wisely but also letting your heart win by purchasing these beautiful items aswel. Give it time and you will learn to know what you like and what you don't. In the long run it will save you money and save you from too much clutter! (but we all love clutter:)

Back on subject... I did find the most adorable raffia bag. I was looking for a small green bag to go with a floral dress I purchased. I was looking through the salvos store at Wynnum, glancing up at the rows and rows of bags and a hint of color shone down on me and I spotted the cutest lil bag. It reminded me of the little Cain basket I used to have as a child. It has the most beautiful raffia flowers and buds. It may not be vintage but it caught my eye and I had to have it! I was 7 dollars which I think is a steal. It's very whimsical and reminds me of a spring garden. The little details on the flowers are so petite and feminine. I can't wait to take it out to our Mary Poppins musical on Sunday.

All my love
Kate xxx

Where my heart is

For what it's worth this blog will be a tribute to my love of all things vintage. Call it all what ya'll want: retro, kitsch, vintage, nostalgia, antiques, collectables, paraphernalia - I want it. Anything 50's, 60's, 70's, one of a kind, rare, beautiful, feminine or odd - I just gotta have it.

I guess my love of old wares stems from childhood. Skipping along with my mum, little white Cain basket in hand  ready to tackle the antique shops and thrift stores of Brisbane. My mum was very into the "shabby chic" scene. Everything from Laura Ashley to green and pink Nally Ware. Mum was particular and only purchased pieces that jumped out and said something to her. I remember sometimes walking the aisles of these shops for hours while my Ma made up her mind over which Vintage treasure to take home. The thrill and excitement of finding a rare treasure or something you had been dreaming of finding was overwhelming. Even today just walking into a thrift store and not knowing what you will find is somewhat addictive.

Just like my mum I have developed a keen eye and a keen interest in treasure hunting. These days you can always find me at markets, antique stores, thrift stores, nik nak shops, browsing on eBay, looking through a weekend shopper, knee deep in a garage sale or any kind of rockabilly shin-dig!

As my collection of things starts to grow I would love to share with you my findings. Even if only one person reads this blog I wont mind. It's something for me to invest my time in and express a passion of mine. So please  come with me and enjoy a trip down memory lane as I search high and low for vintage treasures.

All my love

Kate xxx