As if Fitzroy didn’t have enough markets already, on the first Saturday of every month the carpark of Fitzroy Primary School sprouts the Fitzroy Market.

What makes this market special? Well, it is small enough to enable dedicated browsing at every store and it has a lovely chirpy community feel to it. The market also raises money (through its gold coin donation entry fee) for various charities in the neighbourhood - Cultivating Community, the Fitzroy Learning Network and Live Wires programs.

It’s pretty much a car boot sale and I found the vintage/secondhand clothing and accessories on offer to be interesting and of good quality. I’m not much of an expert op shopper but in the space of my half hour visit I found a couple of gems, which pretty much never happens.

Pretty vintage girls dresses in excellent condition from the 80s (which makes me vintage too!).

A lightweight coat with a broderie anglaise like hem. There are stains on the front of it but for $15 I thought it was worth the gamble to take it to the dry cleaners.

Some homemade jam from the St Marks Church stall. I went for a large jar of plum jam $6.

Spotted – sequinned hotpants, leather handbags and a barrow full of terracotta tiles, all in one stall!

For market-going sustenance, a vegan, gluten-free black forest cupcake made by Carla, blogger at Easy As Vegan Pie, as part of the Vegan Bake Sale to raise funds for RSPCA Queensland. Vegan never tasted so good! (PS Carla just got accepted by CAE to teach vegan cooking classes so maybe she can teach you how to make these amazing cupcakes.)

Happiness by the Melbourne Ukelele Collective!

Regular readers will know that I have a penchant for 20th century vintage furniture. What used to be a mild browsing interest has turned into a mission with a purpose as I’ve just recently moved into an Art Deco apartment which deserves to be filled with furniture that, for once, doesn’t come in a flat pack.

My latest project has been finding a two-seater couch for our lounge room. For some unfathomable reason RM insisted that he didn’t want open armrests on the couch so for the past few months I’ve been stalking couches on eBay and my local vintage furniture stores on a weekly basis.

My eBay trawlings led me to the recently-opened showroom of Grandfathers Axe (they also sell a selection of their wares on eBay). It’s a place that you have to go looking for, as there’s no fancy shopfront at all and the windows to the warehouse are a dirty frosted glass, so it looks like an unused storage space. From the street the only clue to the wonders inside is the butter yellow ute painted with Grandfathers Axe parked out the front.

The showroom is very large and filled to the brim with mid-century gorgeousness, mostly from Denmark. There is so much furniture here that it literally fills the walls from floor to ceiling and you have to wind your way through narrow walkways to inspect the items. They have an amazing array of iconic chairs, some interesting bric-a-brac like these ballot boxes and gasp! more vintage tallboys than you could ever want.  The prices are fairly reasonable too.

As luck would have it on my first visit to Grandfathers Axe I spotted the perfect couch – brown leather, two seater, low back, closed armrests. It also had beautifully curved back cushions and narrow short legs to reduce the visual weight of the couch. One of the owners, Ed, kindly offered to hold it for me for a couple of days and when I asked about delivery he offered to deliver it for free instead of charging $50. Excellent service.

So our vintage furniture buying is now complete (for the moment). To read about other places where I’ve bought vintage furniture in Melbourne, check out reviews of 84 Smith Street, The Bitch is Back and Smith Street Bazaar.

Grandfathers Axe, 171 High St, Northcote +61 (0) 404451663

Smith Street, along with the perpendicular Gertrude Street, is fast becoming Melbourne’s main destination for good quality vintage clothing and furniture. Starting from Victoria Parade, your first stop is Lost and Found Market, then keep heading north to check out 84 Smith Street, Angelucci, with your final destination being Smith Street Bazaar. Not to mention all the op shops on the way as well.

Like Lost and Found Market, Smith Street Bazaar is actually a collection of individual stallholders who sell different sorts of items – some show in mid-century wooden Danish furniture, some stock in clothing, some specialise in lamps and knick-knacks. The items are aimed at the high end of the market, hence there are no bargains and some of it is gasp-inducing expensive, but all of it is good quality, hopefully durable and classic, and most importantly, beau-ti-ful.

For a while I had been looking for a chest of drawers/tall-boy for our front entrance. After stalking eBay for a couple of weeks, I finally came across the perfect one at Smith Street Bazaar, on sale at 20% off. Each item is unique so without too much thought we snapped it up. For an extra $50 they can organise delivery.

I make a point of dropping in every couple of weeks or so, mainly to seek furnishings inspiration, but I’m now also  haunting the store for a matching hatstand for our winter coats, hats and helmets. If you spot one, let me know!

• Smith Street Bazaar, 305-307 Smith St, Fitzroy +61 3 9419 4889

Ages ago I enrolled into two beginners sewing classes at Thread Den (you can read about my experiences here and here). With each sewing class comes 2 free hours of machine use in the sewing lounge, but until now I’ve not had a reason to use them.

Now that Thread Den have decamped from North Melbourne to Fitzroy, the sewing lounge is really convenient for my house. As I’ve been collecting (and spending money on) baby things, I thought an economical way to use some old sheets was to cut them up and use them as cot linens. Sheeting cotton is expensive and a few hours spent against the backdrop of whirring sewing machines seemed like a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

The new Thread Den store is bigger and lighter than the previous incarnation and I particularly liked the turquoise/gold Art Deco wallpaper behind the counter. Downstairs they stock clothing and accessories from independent designers, including previous HOT Chat-er, The Rabbit and the Duck and my favourite Thread Den stocked label, Side Show Designs.

Upstairs the airy sewing lounge houses eight machines and two big cutting tables and is supervised on Tuesday and Fridays 1-5pm by Juliet, a bespoke clothing designer for her label Dress That Rustle whose studio is right next door. Juliet was very friendly and helpful as I’d pretty much forgotten everything I’d learnt in my sewing classes. She gave me advice as to how to hem the sheets and set up my machine for me, so all I really had to do was put my foot on the pedal and try to guide fabric in a straight line.

An hour later and to the tones of Regina Spektor and the 112 tram, I had two sheets hemmed and finished. For seasoned sewers, no big feat, but for me a real sense of achievement and a sense of housewife-thrifty satisfaction. Sadly they don’t run any mums-and-bubs sessions, but their range of classes has expanded since my first visit to include all sorts of interesting projects, so no doubt I’ll be back.

• Thread Den, 422 Brunswick St, Fitzroy +61 3 9486 9821

Now that RM and I finally have a place to call home (and from which we don’t have to move from a very long time) we’re starting to get mightily excited about furnishings.

Our new unit is a curious mix of Art Deco/21st century modern and so I’ve started haunting eBay for vintage items like old wooden desks, as well as shiny metal modern pieces like an Arco floor lamp. We’ve also morphed into middle-aged retired couple persons and taken to browsing vintage furniture shops on our weekend.

The strangely named The Bitch is Back is well-known in interior design circles as a shop stocking vintage mid-century furniture in excellent condition with some new, retro-inspired pieces dotted amongst the display. The front corner room was particularly exciting for me – lots of gasp-inducing statement lamps and chandeliers  (I have a real thing for lamps at the moment). As you pick your way through the first room the shop extends back to about three rooms, piled high with cupboards, wooden tables, smooth Danish designed chairs and bric-a-brac such as old scales, radios and vases.

While there was lots to love in the shop (and the friendly owner told us that their online catalogue changes with new stock all the time) in the end, RM and I agreed on only a single item that suited our needs and budget – a bird lamp for the nursery for $99.

For more retro furniture goodness, check out Lost and Found Market, Chapel Street Bazaar, 84 Smith Street and Angelucci. I’d love to know about your recommendations too!

• The Bitch is Back, 100A Barkly St, St Kilda +61 3 9534 8025

Today’s HOT Chat is about Shannon and her lovely business. I’m inspired to hear that she trained to do a ‘proper’ job but then found a much more satisfying creative outlet through her business. Thanks Shannon!

Shannon, tell me a bit more about your background and how you came to start your craft business The Rabbit & the Duck?

I’ve always been a crafty girl; from as early as I can remember there were either knitting needles in my hand (thanks Mum!) or some other project on the go. My first experience with sewing was with my Grandma, we made a pencil case that I still use today!

Despite this crafty upbringing I ended up in a town planning course at university and after graduating worked in various offices for a few years. It was not a good fit at all and I soon felt the urge to do something more creative. I then moved to retail and sold kitchens, homewares, and then stationery – the list goes on! But still something was missing…

One day I decided to take up sewing again and bought myself a second-hand machine. Soon there was fabric taking over the house and a big pile of finished projects that I didn’t know what to do with. I had heard about Etsy being a great place to sell handmade things so I opened a store and haven’t looked back!

From these small beginnings I now have over 20 stockists across Australia and run my business pretty much full-time – I sometimes have to pinch my arm to remind myself that this is my job!

The first thing I noticed about your products were the beautiful printed fabrics you used. Where do you source your materials?

I love hunting out unusual fabrics. Most of the fabric I use comes from Japan, but I also use a lot of local hand printed fabrics, such as those from Ink and Spindle. I’ve also started a collection of vintage fabrics for an upcoming project!

What’s your favourite The Rabbit & the Duck product?

Definitely the snap to it! wallet. I love the simplicity of its design – it can be used as a coin purse, passport holder, business card pouch, or for many other things. I have about 3 of them in my handbag right now!

Where do you turn for art and craft inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere! I love getting out to the countryside around Melbourne – the open space clears my mind and I am always in awe of the beauty of nature. I also find inspiration in my favourite magazines (such as Frankie and Peppermint) and love seeing what other designers are up to. And sometimes just a pretty piece of fabric will inspire me!

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in starting up your own business? What advice would you give to a small business owner?

It can be quite daunting when you realise that as a small business owner you are now fully responsible for generating your income! The highs and lows from month to month can be tricky and can also be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.

My advice is to surround yourself with a network of like-minded people – I have found the craft / handmade community in Melbourne to be a wonderful support, both in terms of offering advice and providing a social outlet (I work from home so it can be isolating at times!).

And don’t give up! Building a business takes time. Set your goals but be flexible – things can change (and they will!) but the beauty of running your own business is that you can change with them.

What are your next plans for The Rabbit & the Duck?

I would love to see The Rabbit & the Duck stocked overseas, perhaps in each of my favourite cities so I can plan ‘business’ trips to them! I also have other plans for a new venture, but that is all I can say at the moment, as it’s still top secret….

Finally, where are your HOT places to visit or things to do in Melbourne?

CERES Environmental Park (Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East +61 3 9387 2609) Just like visiting a farm but in the middle of Melbourne! They have a great café and a twice-weekly organic farmers market.

The Vintage Shed (93 Mornington Tyabb Rd, Tyabb +61 3 5977 4795) If you love all things vintage then it’s worth a trip down the Mornington Peninsula to visit The Vintage Shed. They have the most amazing collection of vintage clothes – I never leave empty handed!

Gertrude Street, Fitzroy – My favourite shopping street with a great collection of small boutiques, cafes and galleries – the perfect way to spend an afternoon! (Joyce – the Gertrude Street Shopping Guide from The Design Files may help you).



I’m still on Delicate Mayhem‘s mailing list, so I was quite excited to discover that some works from this London artist are now stocked exclusively in Australia, right here in Melbourne. While you can’t buy our wonderful Melbourne picture, you can buy other works from Delicate Mayhem and other artists in a gallery space/shop in Prahran called Signed and Numbered.

This week’s HOT Chat is with Jacqui Vidal, the 28 year old owner of Signed and Numbered. Thanks Jacqui!

Jacqui, tell me a bit more about your background and how you came to start your business Signed and Numbered?

Everyone thinks I must have studied art history or be an artist myself but nothing could be further from the truth. Before I started Signed and Numbered I was an event manager and avid traveller. It was whilst I was in Paris that I stumbled across a little gallery that displayed photos in hard-backed sleeves that allowed customers to flick through the offerings. I fell in love with this hands on approach to art and when I settled down in my home town of Melbourne, I decided to open up a gallery that looked and felt a bit like a record store.

How you select the artworks you sell and where do you source them from?

We ask for exclusivity within Australia, so it was a matter of getting out there to art fairs, gallery openings, hopping online and picking up great publications like Wooden Toy and Semi-Permanent to source new artist to contact. We’re really happy with the line up, which includes the likes of Vexta, Twoone, Kareena Zerofos and Kelly Smith.

Where do you turn for art inspiration?

The laneways of Melbourne. The amount of great art that’s out there 24/7 for anyone and everyone to admire for free is a testament to Melbourne’s street art scene and the City of Melbourne for knowing enough about art to classify it as a public service rather than vandalism.

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in starting up your own business? What advice would you give to a small business owner?

I think the saying ‘you’re your own worst enemy’ rings true for most of us. I’ve had many panic attacks and periods of self-doubt along the way but I’m glad I forged ahead and believed in myself. Confidence in self is the key to making thing happen!

What are your next plans for Signed and Numbered?

I’m currently developing a leasing proposition for local cafes and businesses. I’d love it if my local café had different artworks for me to look at every week.

Finally, where are your HOT places to visit or things to do in Melbourne?

The Astor Cinema (1 Chapel St, St Kilda +61 3 9510 1414) – the best choc tops in the world – especially the arctic banana one.

Fawkner Park (65 Toorak Rd, South Yarra) – the best off lead dog park in Melbourne.

A Shop Called Milton (153 Greville St, Prahran 3 9529 5649) and Urban Jungle (155 Greville Street, Prahran +61 3 9533 8844) – unique home wares and accessories.

Sunday Morning Rotary Market in Camberwell (Station Street, Camberwell) – the best bargain finds as long as you don’t mind an early wake up call.

I sat down with a cup of tea and flicked through the booklet, which you can pick up at many inner city shops, cafes and bars, as well as the Melbourne Visitors Centre, NGV and ACMI. It covers new places and old classics split up into five geographical sections, some of which have been reviewed on the blog before and some of which I’ve earmarked for a visit. Here are my highlights:

Central

The Wheeler Centre. The new heart for Melbourne’s literary culture, the Wheeler Centre holds frequent author’s talks, some of them free. I’m going to hear Ayaan Hirsi Ali speak on Thursday 29 July.

Melbourne International Film Festival. I look forward to MIFF every year – for three weeks I get to hibernate in the city’s cinemas and feast on great films. Last year I managed to get to fifteen of them!

Previously blogged Izakaya Den, Tessuti Fabrics and Movida Aqui get a mention and I’m aiming to hit pizza specialists Barbagallo, new bar 24 Moons and hot new Mexican eatery Mamasita (again, with better lighting).

Northside

The North Melbourne Market has become a regular event held every two months. So many new options for me here – cheese galore at La Latteria, take home cassoulet at La Parisienne Pates, authentic Indian food at the Classic Curry Co, browsing vintage furniture and bric-a-brac at The Junk Company and having a pub lunch at Hotel Lincoln.

Cultural

I’m not going to see Mary Poppins the Musical because I saw it recently in London, and it was one of the most magical, fun and joyous theatrical events I’ve ever been to. When Mary Poppins flew into the air the whole crowd spontaneously broke out into cheers! Highly recommended.

And I’m definitely going to try Tsindos, a 30-year old stalwart of Little Greece in Lonsdale Street and I’m told home to great mezethes.

Westside

I was excited to hear about Urban Reforestation, a community garden, eco shop and educational centre in the middle of concrete-and-glass Docklands. Their aim is to inspire urban farming for sustainability and food security (they’re currently investigating the possibility of rooftop farms!) through consultation with corporates and for helping individuals with gardening lessons and cooking classes.

I think I’ll combine a visit to Urban Reforestation with a stroll around the Docklands Sunday Market and maybe a late lunch as part of Slow Sundays, where you get a $15 tasting plate with beer or wine between 2-6pm every Sunday from 20 June – 29 August.

Southside

I’ve just renewed by NGV membership so I will be heading to NGV’s Winter Masterpieces 2010 European Masters: Stadel Museum 19-20th Century between 19 June – 10 October.

ACMI is hosting a huge Tim Burton exhibition direct from New York’s MOMA from 24 June – 10 October which I’m quite excited about.

State of Design, Victoria’s design festival, is happening between 14-25 July and once again I’ll be immersing myself in all things design for two weeks. As part of the festival Melbourne Open House is on 24-25 July where lots of heritage buildings will be open to the public – a great way to learn some of the stories and history behind the city.

Last but not least, Melbourne Design Market is happening at Federation Square carpark again on Sunday 11 July. This year will be extra special for me because the lovely Kath and Ben from Jellybean Bikes and my new cycling clothing and accessories business CycleStyle will be setting up a cycle-licious stall at the market! Come and say hi.

For details and more winter ideas, check out That’s Melbourne.

RMIT Graduate Stef and Melbourne University student Elise are vintage sellers and fashion lovers and the Up & Comers Fashion Market is their brainchild. They’ve gathered over 30 men’s and women’s clothing and accessories stalls at historic 19th century Art Deco theatre Ormond Hall from 11-5pm tomorrow. Ormond Hall is part of the Belgian Beer Cafe, which means that while you’re browsing the market you can enjoy drinks from the bar inside the hall, sample the full bar menu or grab something from the barbecue or waffle stand in the courtyard.

Stef and Elise have kindly taken the time out from their hectic schedules to answer a few questions for MEL: HOT OR NOT today. Thanks ladies!

Stef and Elise, tell me a bit more about your backgrounds and the Up & Comers Fashion Market?

S: I studied Professional Communication at RMIT, and just graduated last December. I was initially looking to start working with a PR firm or an event management company, but we came up with the concept for the market in January, and suddenly I found myself pretty busy. I’ve since been working almost full time on the market, but hopefully after the opening this week things will slow down a little.

E: At the moment I’m studying Biomedicine at Melbourne University. It can be a bit dry at times, so it’s been great to have the market as a creative outlet.

S: The Up & Comers Fashion Market is all about uniqueness and creativity. It’s a place where you know you can come and find something that you won’t see everyone else wearing.

E: We have found some really talented new designers. It’s also a fun place to go just to hang out with friends – the atmosphere is great and we’ve got live DJs, a bar and food stalls.

How did you select the stallholders and who are some of the designers we can expect to see at the first market?

E: We select stallholders based on their originality, imagination, the quality of their designs and whether they bring something new to the market. We source stallholders from all over Australia and have also received an exciting amount of applications. And by the way, we’re constantly looking for new designers…so if there’s anyone out there looking to kick-start their collection – let us know!

S: There are so many amazing designers that will be selling at the first market. A few names are Mina & Oli, Depths of the Never Never, Harvest Powell, Loré Loré…I’ll stop there before I give too much away.

What challenges have you faced getting the market up and running?

S: One of the biggest challenges we faced was getting people to believe that the market would be a success. In the beginning, designers were sceptical and it was difficult to persuade them to come on board, as all we really had was the general concept.

E: Deciding on a name took forever! We also had to try to find the perfect place – location, size, facilities and ambience are all so important. Personally, the hardest thing for me has been trying to balance organising the market, my sporting commitments and my ridiculous amount of uni work.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

S: It’s always better to be overly professional. When you’re professional people take you more seriously. I’ve found this is so important – even in fashion!

E: If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you can achieve. Over a year ago, all we had was a bunch of ideas and a keen interest in the fashion world. Since then we’ve started up our own vintage label, LadyLikes, and are now launching what we think will be one of the best markets in Melbourne.

What people, places or things do you turn to for fashion inspiration?

S: I travel overseas quite a bit, and I love wandering the streets and having a look at what people are wearing in other parts of the world. I also love looking through my grandmother’s wardrobe – she never throws anything away and has so many incredible pieces from the 60s and 70s.

E: I draw a lot of my inspiration from vintage clothing. I spend hours upon hours in op shops and markets.

What are you wearing at the moment?

S: I have this crazy obsession with skulls at the moment, my most recent purchase is a gold skull ring that has literally been attached to my finger since I bought it. I also love anything that’s oversized, black or vintage.

E: I’m really into layering different pieces to create a more exciting look. My favourite item in my wardrobe right now is a pair of high waisted black, velvet shorts that I bought from a vintage store overseas.

Finally, what are your tips for what’s HOT in Melbourne?

S: One of the many things I love about Melbourne is that there are always new and exciting things to discover. There’s a comedy night on every Monday at The Local (184 Carlisle St, St Kilda +61 3 9537 2633) that I’ve recently discovered and I’ve been going there quite a bit. Some of the comedians are just locals giving it a go, and then you can also see some pretty big names.

In terms of cafes, Batch Espresso (320 Carlisle Street, Balaclava +61 3 9530 3550) is a major favourite (the avocado smash is delicious), I practically live at Nest Food and Drink (117 Wattletree Rd, Malvern +61 3 9500 1221) where they make the BEST bagels and sandwiches, and Monk Bodhi Dharma (202 Carlisle St, Balaclava +61 3 9534 7250) is a great hidden treasure (if you can find it).

E: I love going out for a quiet drink with friends – and Melbourne’s bars don’t disappoint. Madame Brussels in the city is great, and of course Belgian Beer Café on St Kilda Road!

The Up & Comers Fashion Market is on 11-5pm on Saturday 15 March, then every second Saturday of the month. Check it out at Ormond Hal, Belgian Beer Cafe, 557 St Kilda Rd, Prahran (enter via Moubray St). For stall enquiries, contact info@ladylikes.com.au

Fitzroy/Collingwood seems to be the hotbed of social enterprise businesses in Melbourne (see my review of restaurant Charcoal Lane), and in late 2009 another one opened around the corner from me – The Social Studio.

The Social Studio is a non-profit fashion studio space staffed by approximately 20 young members of Melbourne’s refugee community and overseen by the lovely artist Grace McQuilten. I think the value and purpose of The Social Studio is best articulated on their website:

The main barriers faced by newly arrived members of the community are unemployment, isolation and difficulties accessing education and training. The Social Studio addresses these problems in four ways: creating jobs; providing education; encouraging community engagement and social inclusion.

In the studio Grace and her team teach the basics of design, sewing, cutting, pattern-making and fitting using excess fabrics gathered from local industry. The studies are accredited towards TAFE certificate training in clothing production and design, plus the students’ one-off products – from dresses to tops to bags to jewellery – are on sale at the front of the colourful store (notice the eco-friendly name-stamped cardboard coathangers) and online via Etsy.

The Social Studio also offers regular events and workshops. On Saturdays they hold a Re-Mixed workshop where for only $30 you can learn to rework an existing garment from 10am-1pm. On Wednesday evenings they conduct talks called The Quick Unpick ($10 for first talk, $5 thereafter, includes a drink) where you can hear a leading designer discuss their work, ideas and background.

On your visit also take the time to check out the cosy cafe at the back of the studio that serves a pared down breakfast/lunch menu and Social Roasting Company‘s fair trade coffee, the product of another social enterprise business focusing on the long-term unemployed.

On Grace’s recommendation I tried the French toast with fruit and honey, a modest description for a generous pile of soft eggy Turkish bread (I’ve never had French toast done using Turkish bread before – delicious!), peach slices and dried apricots, all drizzled with honey. It was sweet and filling and a bargain for $8.

Having volunteered in refugee organisations before and being exposed to some harrowing stories, I strongly believe that any business that encourages refugees in Australia (particularly young people) to learn, participate, engage, dream and work should be supported. Remember that all the revenue raised from the sale of the clothing, workshops, events and cafe go back into funding the primary project – so get yourself and your friends down to the The Social Studio soon.

• The Social Studio, 128 Smith St, Collingwood +61 3 9417 2143

Poppy’s HOT Chat is with Ashley Tell, owner of the fashion labels Darling Clementine and Golden Palomino Vintage. Thanks Poppy and Ashley!

Pioneer of the pop-up shop before they even became a trend, Ashley Tell has a lifestyle that would make anyone envious. For eight months of the year she travels home to California and then on to Europe buying fabrics, sourcing vintage clothing and keeping up with global trends for the upcoming season. She travels to Berlin, Milan, Paris and Rome before returning back to Melbourne to set up her Golden Palomino Vintage at the Suzuki Night Market. Her wholesale label, Darling Clementine, is distributed throughout Australia during the summer season by Maximum Agencies.

P: Ashley, how did you end up in Australia?

A: I was raised in a small country town in central California.  I was always obsessed with fashion growing up so when the opportunity to do a bit of modelling came up, I jumped. I came to Australia from New York for a shoot. I was booked on a working visa with the anticipation of staying for only three months. That was over ten years ago. Now I feel like I’ve established myself in a little corner of the market here in Australia.

P: Tell me about the clothes you design.

A: I’ve realised I’m better at editing than starting something from scratch; I’m better at working with a piece which has some limitations and then evolving it.

The Darling Clementine label re-cuts vintage fabrics into three or four new styles each season. Golden Palomino Vintage is more focused on true vintage although I have a few racks of reworked vintage too. I enjoy the vintage thing because it’s more of a challenge. I’m not just going to China and ordering off the book.

Both labels try to use sizes that are pretty much one-size-fits all, and I aim to keep it inclusive. I’m a size 12 – 14 partly due to my height.

My workshop is just out the back of my apartment and I employ a local manufacturer. I do all the cutting myself though. I prefer it this way; being hands on. That’s also why I use simple designs. I don’t really think of myself as a fashion designer. I prefer simple, on-trend styles that don’t re-invent the wheel.

P: Where did the name Golden Palomino Vintage come from?

A: When I did a little capsule range for Sportsgirl years ago, I had to think of a name within that meeting and it was the first thing that came to my mind.  Most of my childhood was spent on the back of a horse. I’ve had the artwork and name sitting collecting dust for years, so I thought “why not use Golden Palomino for my market stall?” I like to stick with the equine theme as I’m from the country and love the horsey thing.

P: Why do you choose to run Golden Palomino Vintage out of the Suzuki Night Market?

A: I enjoy the fast pace of markets – always have. People often ask why I don’t open a store. I’d go crazy. The market allows me the flexibility to travel during winter months and source new pieces for the following season.

P: Tell me the best part about your job.

A: Having the freedom to run part of my business out of places that I want to visit more regularly. For example, I love Mexico, and feel really strongly about helping out smaller manufacturers. So one season I had a bunch of simple peasant dresses made in a small village south of Oaxaca.

P: Tell me a bit about the time you spend overseas each year.

A: I usually spend three months in California with my parents. They aren’t getting any younger, you know. My mum is an interior designer and loves pottery. I guess I got the creative thing from her.

California has some large vintage wholesalers, and I’ve built up my network of contacts there. Europe has a few as well, but it’s often easier for me in Cali.

My partner is Italian, so we spent part of our time in Australia, and part in Italy. He is a professional tennis coach and visits every year for the Australian Open, which is where we met.

P: Do you have any goals for 2010?

A: To be more organised, and to visit two new countries every year. This year I’m hoping to make it to Iceland!

You can catch Ashley at Stall 128 at the Suzuki Night Market (held at the Queen Victoria Market) on Wednesdays from 5.30 – 10.00pm until 24 February. If you miss Ashley’s stall this year, make sure you sign up the Golden Palomino Vintage mailing list.

In Melbourne, Darling Clementine is stocked at Cactus Jam.

Photo credits: Golden Palomino Vintage on Flickr

Smith Street has no shortage of cool vintage stores to browse (see reviews of Lost and Found Market and 84 Smith Street) and the latest addition is the Fitzroy outpost of Windsor shop Angelucci 20th Century.

For over 15 years the owner Dean has sourced vintage furniture from Denmark and France, flatpacked it for import and restored it for sale in one of his two shops. The Fitzroy showroom is a bright airy space showcasing mid-century wooden furniture and lighting plus Angelucci’s own Slimline range of customised furniture which references the same era.

My pick? A rare original production ‘Harp’ chair designed by Jorgen Hovelskov and made in Denmark by Christensen & Larsen. Evidently I have expensive taste. Price? $3200.

• Angelucci 20th Century, 113 Smith St, Fitzroy +61 3 9415 8001 (also 92 High st, Windsor +61 3 9525 1271)

What’s that, you ask? Well, I have been spending my waking hours putting every review on MEL: HOT OR NOT onto a single map. So that means you can go to the movies, find out where to eat nearby, go for dessert at the gelati shop around the corner and drop into a shop to buy your Mum a birthday present on your way home.

To help me launch this whiz-bang map project is Jenny Jiang, one of the co-founders of Melbourne Op Shop Tours. Jenny’s a resident of North Melbourne, and here are her picks for what’s HOT around her neighbourhood. You can take yourself on a little tour with the MEL: Heat Map to guide your way. Thanks Jenny!

• Di Bella Roasting Warehouse, 19 – 21 Leveson St. +61 3 9329 2973

Fantastic coffee, house-baked sweet treats and really friendly staff

• Fandango, 97 Errol St (Next door to Auction Rooms with coloured streamers in doorway) +61 3 9329 0693

My favourite breakfast in town – especially the eggs with beetroot relish and the fruit toast with marscapone spread. They have a very limited lunch menu but it’s yummy all the same. It looks really really tiny but there is a courtyard out the back for those rare days when Melbourne weather isn’t ridiculous!

• Martin Fella Vintage, 556 Queensberry St +61 411 641 269

Tiny hole in the wall vintage store with great jewellery and some really outrageous items of clothing! They also have nice   leather bags and scarves. If you do go in and Martin’s there – say Hi for me! We visit his store on our Inner North op shop tour.

• Memoirs Fashion Boutique, 502 Victoria St (near corner of Errol) +61 3 9328 8131

Lovely higher-end second hand store with some new stock by Melbourne designers. We also visit this store on our Inner North tour. Gianna (shop-owner) is really sweet and some of the dresses in here are amazing. It is quite pricey though so better for  special occasion shopping. Some of their stock is sourced overseas so it’s perfect for event shopping because you know you’ll   be the only one in that outfit!

• The French Quarter Patisserie Boulangerie, 1/570 Queensberry St +61 3 9326 9099

Yummy almond croissants and other buttery baked treats.

For me summer in Melbourne heralds long bright evenings, Moonlight Cinema and the Suzuki Night Market at Queen Victoria Market. Evidently I’m not alone as the night market has become a bit of a summer institution for young and old alike and in peak time (between 6-8pm) the crowds swell to almost uncomfortable levels.

Nevertheless, it’s still an experience which is very enjoyable. The huge numbers of milling locals and tourists lend an excited vibrancy to the atmosphere and there’s live music on all night encompassing all sorts of genres and giving the kiddies a chance to bop. As an after work activity nothing beats strolling around having nothing on your mind other than what to eat from the plethora of fragrant food stalls.

After our food reconnaisance, I stalked a table until seats became free (a rarity) while A went to the vegan stall for a curry plate, and then I went to the stall selling food from Trinidad and Tobago, a cuisine with which I’m definitely not familiar. The options were a chickpea dish, Bake and Shark and some form of fried chicken with a spicy sauce (sorry hazy memory). A last minute decision had me choosing the Bake and Shark ($12) and the friendly lady behind the counter assured me that I would love it.

Yes, bake and shark does usually contain deep-fried shark, although I’m not certain how easy it is to source shark in Australia, so it might have been some other firm white fish in this case. The ‘bake’ refers to the sort of bun holding it all together, which is apparently made from roti flour that is fried in certain shapes to make the bread. My bake and shark was accompanied by a slice of pineapple, some salad and spoonfuls of various colourful sauces which I couldn’t distinguish. As far as mass-produced pre-cooked food goes, this was pretty good and I’d easily pick it again.

For dessert, so much choice! I decided to go for the honey puffs as I’m a real sucker for sweet deep fried dough and bought a plate of huge doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This is definitely a dessert to be shared and good value for $6.

After our meals we wandered around the other non-food stalls. The mix of sellers was truly bizarre, ranging from cheap tat like sunglasses and imported plastic toys to on-the-spot hair extensions, wall vinyls, vintage clothes and the ubiquitous fisherman pants.

I can’t say I’d recommend the Suzuki Night Market for the shopping or even necessarily the quality of the food – but you’ll still love it for the vibe and the chance to soak in the long summer hours with your friends and family.

• Suzuki Night Market, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne. Runs every Wednesday from Wednesday 25 November 2009 to Wednesday 24 February 2010, 5.30pm to 10.00pm.
  

While the furniture is always droolworthy in the store, on my most recent visit, these smaller items caught my eye:

A huge industrial lamp and other cool anodised lamp shades.

A butcher’s meat labels ($2 each). I loved these but couldn’t think of a use for them – any ideas? There were also some old-fashioned price tags on sticks which probably came from the same source.

The store has a penchant for taxidermy, including lots of stuffed birds and a pair of hugely tall peacocks which presided over the windows for a while.

If any of my wedding guests are out there reading this, please note that while we don’t have a gift registry we would very much appreciate this white orbit lamp ($120) *grin* It will go very nicely with our reproduction Le Corbusier chaise lounge and provide us of many happy memories of your generosity!

For other vintage stores in the area, check out Lost and Found Market, Angelucci and Industria (202 Gertude St Fitzroy).

• 84 Smith Street, 84 Smith St, Collingwood +61 7 9078 6669
  

Read Part 1 of the tour here.

Another quick train ride to Spotswood then St John’s Op Shop (612-614 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood). ‘Great variety of household goods’ is an accurate description, with ‘variety’ being the operative word. This is an OCD sufferer’s nightmare.

The rabbit warren of a shop was full of surprises – an extensive collection of white shoes (apparently a local shoe store closed down and donated all of their stock), a veritable forest of clothing (another vintage scarf to add to my collection $5), a jumble of furniture out the back and boxes of haberdashery hidden away under shelves groaning with discarded VHS tapes – including this gem ‘A New Tax System – “How To Series””. Any buyers? Anyone?

1pm and a well-earned lunch stop at Cafe Miers (85 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood). This light and airy cafe serves Fairtrade coffee and simple cafe fare – toasted sandwiches/foccacias, pastries and muffins. I’m not sure it’s worth a special trip but it served our purposes well as we replenished our dimishing energy reserves and compared purchases.

Heave ho to Yarraville for Bargain Browser (9 Anderson St, Yarraville +61 3 9687 6307). This was a queer beast, stocking a mix between dollar shop junk and genuine op shop items. I wasn’t much inspired by the racks of Bridget Jones style grandma underpants and boxes of scented candles, but I did spot an unworn pair of Aldo canary yellow stilettos in my size. How could I resist, they were only $15!

Last stop, Footscray Salvos (199 Barkly St, Footscray +61 3 9689 7811) and then the Savers (The Recycle Superstore!) for those with more energy (33 Albert St, Footscray +61 3 9689 6811). Footsore and laden with purchases, I decided to forego the Savers and only go went to the Salvos, where I picked up a copy of Alan Hollinghurst’s 2004 Booker prize winner ‘The Line of Beauty’ for $4.

I can definitely see the appeal of  Melbourne Op Shop Tours for those of us who are not dedicated op shoppers. The tour combined a large variety of op shops, from well known superstores to undiscovered nooks, and with Jenny as our organised tour guide the whole trip ran very smoothly.   I think everyone went home with a bargain and ended the day on a happy note. Best of all, we helped a lot of charities on the way!

PS Here’s a pic of my $15 yellow shoes, matched with a Cylk dress from Eco Fashionista. Unexpected colour combination, but I think it works!

• Melbourne Op Shop Tours +61 421 431 278
• St John’s Op Shop, 612-614 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood. Mon-Fri 10am-530pm; Sat 9am-4pm
  
• Bargain Browser, 9 Anderson St, Yarraville +61 3 9687 6307. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm
  
• Footscray Salvos, 199 Barkly St, Footscray +61 3 9689 7811. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
  
• Footscray Savers, 33 Albert St, Footscray +61 3 9689 6811. Mon – Wed 9:30am – 6pm; Thur – Fri 9:30am – 9pm; Sat 9:30am – 6pm; Sun 10am – 5pm

Fashionistas know that the surest way to score a one-of-a-kind outfit is to scour old shops and vintage stores. Melbourne Op Shop Tours helps you take up the op shop challenge by running small group (max 10 people) tours through various areas of Melbourne. What makes it different from other op shop tours is that instead of being herded around on a big coach, the service is more personal and the tour is conducted with the careful coordination of public transport timetables – which means that your recycled shopping experience is super eco-friendly.

Melbourne Op Shop Tours invited me to one of their tours to experience it for myself, and I decided to follow tour guide Jenny along to the Inner West – a completely unknown part of Melbourne as far as I was concerned.

Starting at 10am at North Williamstown station, we headed to the Williamstown Uniting Church Op Shop (75 Stevedore St, Williamstown +61 3 9397 8066). The first thing I spotted inside this tiny op shop were some Number 14 bentwood chairs. The hooped back chair was designed by Michael Thonet in the 19th century and is now a design classic, to be found in many cafes. The two chairs remaining from the original set of eight cost $5 each! I was so excited that I could have gone home right there and then, mission accomplished.

A quick train ride to Newport then a stroll through suburban streets to the Newport Neighbourhood House and Opportunity Shop (40 Challis Avenue, Newport +61 417 032 617). Jenny’s favourite op shop is easy to miss because it just looks like your standard low-set weatherboard house. But now I’m sharing the secret with you – enter through the garden gate and you’ll find yourself in the biggest jumble sale of your life. It would take hours to sift through the rooms of men’s clothes, kid’s clothes, shoes, glassware, kitchenware, toys and women’s clothes – we’re talking mountains, tables, shelves and boxes of stuff everywhere you look.

A little overwhelmed, I decided to focus on women’s scarves and came away with three to my liking ($1 each) while also picking up a silver cake stand ($5) and small cut glass ice bucket ($5).

In a feat of op-shopping strength, one of our tour members Nathan (an intrepid and experienced op shopper) decided to tip out the whole box of ties in order to do a thorough sorting on the floor. In the end, he came away with 47 ties ($1 each) which included designer ties from YSL and Versace. What does a man do with that many ties? Nathan’s strategy is to wear them all once, clean them up and sell them on eBay for around $10-$15 each. So even if you’re not necessarily into the charity aspect of op shopping, it seems that with a bit of effort it can be a lucrative hobby.

Also, check out these fabulous, unworn shoes found on top of the mountain of shoes spilling out from under the verandah. These beautiful heels cost $2. I’m so jealous!

This was easily the winning shop for me – it’s so good that if you’re a keen op shopper, it’s worth making a trip especially to carefully work your way through the house.

Read more about the rest of the tour tomorrow in Part 2.

• Melbourne Op Shop Tours +61 421 431 278
• Williamstown Uniting Church Op Shop (75 Stevedore St, Williamstown +61 3 9397 8066 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm
• Newport Neighbourhood House and Opportunity Shop (40 Challis Avenue, Newport +61 417 032 617) Mon-Wed, Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-12pm

For a while now Sydney has been running pub markets and now the trend is catching on in Melbourne. It’s a great idea – pubs are usually dead spaces during the day, so why not run up a few stalls inside and encourage people to shop, chat, have a beer and eat some pub grub.

The inaugural Blackbird Market opened to a large, enthusiastic crowd of browsers inside The Workers Club last Saturday (markets will be held monthly). The rabbit-warren of colourful rooms contained a surprisingly impressive number of stalls given that it was the first time the market was held. The bulk of the stalls sold second hand clothing and shoes or independent jewellery and accessories, interspersed with homewares, zines and art.

While not as high spec as the Rose Street Artists Markets, I liked the quirkly ambience and the mix of small vendors, plus the market seemed to attract a range of shoppers, not just the hipsters of Fitzroy.

Out the back in the courtyard I was the first person to volunteer to have my picture taken in The Photo Booth. Abby Storey‘s art project is about exploring the communication of private expression in a public realm. By taking a photograph of someone who is looking directly at their reflection and hiding the photographer behind the mirror, Abby is able to capture a portrait of a person which is truly open and honest, whether that person is feeling comfortable, uncomfortable, silly or guarded. You can see my cheesy mug here, with my bike helmet still on! I realised afterwards that when faced with the mirror I had unconsciously focused my gaze not at myself, but about 5 cm forward from the reflection so I wouldn’t have to look at myself directly in the eye. Hmmm….

• Blackbird Market, The Workers Club, corner of Brunswick St and Gertrude St, Fitzroy +61 3 9415 8889

With Christmas only 22 days away, Melbourne is ramping up to a frenetic hive of shopping activity. With sales and markets sprouting up almost daily, it’s getting difficult for me to keep up!

One of the most aesthetically pleasing shopping experiences that I’ve attended recently has been Marche Rouge, a small pop-up market in the Nicholas Building which is being held for three days only.

Kim Hurley, a visual merchandiser who works on Kleins Perfumery’s store windows (amongst others) has organised the event in her light-filled art deco studio. On entry, what caught my eye were the colourful crocheted branches (by Kim) and the tiny nests cupping each stallholder’s business cards. How adorable is that!

Kim has set up her visually inviting stall with a deliciously scented array of pretty items, from fabrics sourced from the South of France, vintage haberdashery (I loved the colourful rolls of antique French ribbons), pot pourri possets, fragrant seed pillows and other hand-crafted items.

For my goddaughter and her new brother, I bought two Christmas stockings for their Santa pressies.

The market also includes these artists:

Three Blind Mice, a sisterly team crafting one-off accessories using found items and some vintage kimono fabrics from Kimono House (Level 2, Room 207, Nicholas Building). They’re just starting out and I fell in love with this particular neckpiece.

Buttonmania, the one-stop shop for all your button needs (Room 201, Level 2 Nicholas Building).

Melbourne own small-run publishers of small-sized books, Arcade Publications. Their most recent launches are Our Girls, Aussie Pin-ups of the 40s and 50s (Madeleine Hamilton) and Hoax Nation, Australian Fakes and Frauds, from Plato to  Norma Khouri (Simon Caterson).

Milliner Serena Lindeman (Room 602, Nicholas Building), who has been featured in the most recent edition of the book Handmade in Melbourne.

Mandy Murphy Millinery (Room 4, Level 7, Nicholas Building). This elegant sculptural hat was a finalist for the Myer Fashions on the Field Millinery Award at Flemington in 2009.

An eye-catching stand brimming with a cornucopia of Christmas decorations and floral and fruit arrangements. Unfortunately I didn’t catch the name of the florist but will find out.

Marche Rouge is a lovely little jewel of a market in one of the most beautiful buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Take some time to drop in – the market is open Thursday 3 December 12-8pm, Friday 4 December 12-8pm and Saturday 5 December 10-4pm.

• Marche Rouge Christmas Shopping Event, Salon 205, Level 2, Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne

I LOVE markets. I will even travel across town for an hour on public transport on a Sunday morning to get to a market if it’s being organised by the lovely ladies of Thread Den.

I’ve written about sewing lounge Thread Den before, and they’ve now have expanded their little empire to encompass an occasional craft and vintage market. They recently organised their second market and it looked like such a roaring success that I suspect that there will be more coming.

On offer in the labyrinth rooms of the Lithuanian Club was a community of crafters and vintage collectors selling all sorts of desirable things. My picks:

Handmade toys and vintage children’s clothes from Nettle and Brier. I absolutely fell in love with this adorable sailor’s dress ($20) and Red Riding Hood coat ($30) that I HAD to have them – now I have to find a 3 year old girl to give them to. (Don’t worry, I’m not that crazy – my god-daughter is three).

Colourful swirls and patterns from the crazy retro lamps at Retro Print Revival.

If only my Dad hadn’t cleared out his youthful wardrobe – I could have been selling his polyester flares for $5 each.

Madonna-esque ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ 80s shoe/sandal/boots. Originally from Hunter Gatherer in Fitzroy.

Update 20 January 2010: The Thread Den Market has now turned into the bi-monthly North Melbourne Market, with the first market happening on Sunday 28 February from 10am with $2 entry.

• Thread Den Market, Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne +61 3 9329 5305

• Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet, is speaking at The Hive at The Order of Melbourne on Tuesday 24 November. Read my review of a previous The Hive event here;
• The Rockwiz Christmas special is coming to The Palais, St Kilda, on Wednesday 25 November;
• Preview screening of Steven Soderbergh’s political comedy The Informant! on Thursday 26 November;
• Going shopping from Williamstown through to Footscray with Melbourne Op Shop Tours on Saturday 28 November. Read an interview with Jessica from Melbourne Op Shop Tours here; and
• I’m going ‘In Search of the Perfect Gelati’ with Lin Tan from Trespass Mag on Sunday 29 November….
• …before popping into a street party to close the Bicycle Film Festival on the corner of Peel Street and Cambridge Street, Collingwood on Sunday 29 November 12-5pm.

Unfortunately there’s only one of me, which means I’ll be missing these other great events on this week:

• Suzuki Night Market opens at Queen Vic Markets on Wednesday 25 November;
• Magnolia Square pop-up market is open from 26-28 November at Malvern Town Hall. Check out my review of the previous Magnolia Square market here;
• Northside Makers Markets are open at Northside Uniting Church, 251 High Street from 10:30-3:30pm on Saturday 28 November.

Less than a month till Christmas!

I’m an early-bird but there’s not many events that would have me bounding out of bed, grabbing a stupendous strawberry, white chocolate and coconut muffin from Proud Mary and lining up with hundreds of other people at 8:45am at Southbank.

But this was one very special garage sale. The Melbourne Theatre Company were moving, and everything had to go for one day only. I wanted to be part of the fake food buying frenzy!

The main area in the large warehouse was taken up by furniture and props, but I (and a million other people) made a beeline for the clothing section. Oh. My. God. It was like walking into one giant dress up box explosion. We’re talking racks and racks of super-cheap period costumes, contemporary clothing, shoes, handbags, scarves, gloves, stockings and fabric. I was trailing a woman behind me who I think must have been a vintage store owner, because she was putting literally every second item into her voluminous bags without looking twice. In a panic, I thought I’d miss out if I stayed behind bowerbird woman so I too started shoving stuff into my plastic bin bag.

Amongst the more unusual and interesting items on sale:

This man lined up at 7am and scored this Naboo turban. Later I saw him with a big black cape as well. Cool.

I like this enterprising girl’s approach. Wear the giant hooped skirt you’ve picked up while sifting through the other clothing. Then you can knock any other contenders out of the way.

A rack of Robyn Nevin’s pyjamas (presumably from August: Osage County)

Horses hooves! Great with skinny jeans.

Toilet fittings for Marcel Duchamp inspired interior decoration.

Crucifix and coffins. Perfect for your next Halloween party.

This big pink hippo was going to be re-gifted.

Fake food! I’ve found our perfect wedding cake. Noice.

Styrofoam map of Australia. They even remembered Tassie.

Magical angel’s wings.

One dusty ride-on mower.

Beautiful light fittings. If only I owned a restaurant.

A tired shopper taking a break from the mayhem. She was up for sale too. Along with the chair. And the stuffed bird, the helmet and the crutches.

My haul was very sedate by comparison and consisted of various wollen scarves, delicate leather gloves, a cummerbund, a Ted Baker replica of the Audrey Hepburn little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an ivory chain-mail Oroton handbag with a deliciously bright purple lining and a massive frilly collar/neckpiece. The best thing – it cost $5.  It was definitely worth getting out of bed.

• MTC Garage Sale, 129 Ferrars St, Southbank

Can you tell me a bit more about the story behind Melbourne Op Shop Tours?

My business partners Jenny and Richmond and I have always been keen op shoppers and people would often ask us where the good op shops were, and how we found ‘wearable’ items. These questions led us to thinking that there was a need for a service that showed people where and how to op shop. However it wasn’t until we pitched this idea at an entrepreneur’s competition and won first prize, that we actually decided to do something about it. It took us about a year to develop our concept further, research and plan tour routes and design the website – we launched in September this year!

What can you expect on a typical day with Melbourne Op Shop Tours?

You will join your fellow op shoppers and your tour guide at a designated meeting point early (but not too early!) on a Saturday morning. This is the start of a whirlwind journey with your tour guide to discover 6 – 8 op shops along a carefully planned public transport route. Shop fast, with a plan of attack, as you will only have between 20 – 30 minutes in each store.

Your tour guide will double as your personal stylist – helping you to find items on your wish list and pointing out things that may look ordinary on the rack, but amazing on you! You’ll get the chance to show off your bargains at a lunch stop, where you can relax over a delicious meal and well-deserved coffee. This break will give you the energy you need to continue foraging for the rest of the day!

Popular items on our tours so far have been egg cups, records, books, cocktail shakers, teapots, leather shoes, bow ties, and of course, fabulous pieces of clothing.

What are your next plans for Melbourne Op Shop Tours?

We’re very excited to be expanding our tours to London, Sydney and Perth! We have ‘once-off’ tours planned in each of these cities for December 2009 and January 2010 and if the tours are received well, we’ll be looking to continue them on a regular basis.

Also, in response to customer feedback, we are introducing a new vintage tour option next year. This tour will visit some higher-end second hand stores, and include goodies like lunch and cupcakes along the way.

Why do you think people like shopping in op shops?

Personally, I’m a really indecisive person so I enjoy op shopping because things generally fall into the ‘amazing’ or ‘horrible’ category, which makes it much easier to decide what to buy! On top of this, I enjoy the excitement of never knowing what I will discover in an op shop, and that thrill you get when you spot something that looks divine. Op shopping sometimes requires a bit of creativity to work clothes into your wardrobe, but that’s all part of the fun. Of course, the feel good factor is an added bonus – you are shopping sustainably and your dollars are all going to a good cause.

What are you wearing at the moment?

High waisted tailored shorts, with a red silk Country Road top, belted by a thick black JAG belt. Teamed with black tights and pointy tan leather ankle boots. All op-shopped for under $30!

What advice would you give to others who are starting their own business?

Just go out and do it! We were slow getting off the ground because we were concerned with drawing up a business plan. But ultimately the most important thing is having a good team who are passionate about creating something of their own.

Finally, what are your tips for what’s HOT in Melbourne?

• The new luxurious Virgin Active gym on Bourke Street – they even have sleep pods! (138 Bourke St, Melbourne +61 3 9268 5300‎)
• locals-only haunt North Cafeteria (717 Rathdowne St, Carlton North +61  3 9348 1276)
• Collingwood Children’s Farm (St Heliers St, Abbotsford +61 3 9417 5806‎)
• The Op Stop, a charity op shop in a van!
• The Station Street Cafe and Wine Bar (26 Station St, Nunawading +61 3 9878 9383)
• Birdman Eating (238 Gertrude St, Fitzroy +61 3 9416 4747)
• The Rathdowne Street Food Store, where we have our Sunday morning meetings! (617 Rathdowne St, Carlton North +61 3 9347 4064)
• Grazings Plates & Platters (713 High St, Kew East +61 3 9859 3252‎)

Thanks to Melbourne Op Shop Tours, I’ve been invited to visit the op shops of Williamstown to Footscray on their tour of the Inner West on Saturday 28 November.  Click here to read all about it.

Most of the time I’m a sweet, unassuming, ladylike girl who is never critical, sarcastic or competitive. But get me near a Scrabble board and I transform into a ruthless Gordon Gecko type who crows triumphantly at every 7-letter word placed on a triple-word score.

These Scrabble cufflinks are from Rose Street Artists Market regular stallholder Kyle Weyburne (he also has a stall at the Sunday Esplanade Market in St Kilda). Kyle is a painter and writer who makes quirky jewellery on the side. I bought a pair of vintage 10-point letters cufflinks for RM so that he could use them against me in times of desperation (a 100-point difference has been known to occur), a pair of cufflinks made from mahjong tiles from an antiques dealer in Thailand and a pair of vintage typewriter keys Kyle made himself. RM now has three pairs of unusual cufflinks (but not too novelty), at only $25 a pair.

• Robotica by Kyle Weyburne, Rose Street Artists Market, 60 Rose St, Fitzroy +61 3 9387 3607

I haven’t been to a school fete in years, so I don’t know how the Spring Fair at Collingwood College stacks up compared to other school fetes these days. Let’s just say back in my day (old age, coming right up) we weren’t selling sushi and chickpea curry.

But then Collingwood College is an amazingly diverse school, so you’d expect the Spring Fair to be equally diverse. And it was fabulous! There were your usual sausage sizzle, trash and treasure and clothes jumble sales, as well an incredible cake stall (organic ginger spice cake $8), more-ish pumpkin and caramelised onion wood fired pizzas from the pizza oven built by the grade 3s ($3.50), buttery yoyos ($4) and jars of to-die-for lemon curd ($5) made by the kids doing the Kitchen Garden program as well as Harley sidecar rides, smashing plates game, a Greek dancing demonstration and a blacksmith.

The whole school felt so fun-filled, colourful and vibrant. Even though I don’t have kids, it was wonderful to experience a part of my local community and to see lots of happy children of all different races and ages running around having fun together.

• Spring Fair, Collingwood College, Cnr Cromwell St and McCutcheon Way, Collingwood +61 3 9417 6681

Thread Den: Part 2

After my success at Thread Den’s Sewing Basics Module 1, I was all enthused about Sewing Basics Module 2, where I’d be learning about zips, buttons, elastic and casings.

I don’t know whether it was the lunch of sausage rolls and cupcakes that I had, but I found it very hard to concentrate on the instructions. Luckily, patient Melissa helped me through the constant snarls in my thread, drunken swerving of stitches and confusions over top, bottom, left and right. So at the end of the three hours I could sew an elastic, a drawstring casing, a centred zip, lapped zip, invisible zip and a perfectly sized buttonhole (cheating really, the machine measures it up for you) – but to be honest I’m not sure I’d be able to replicate any of it without some help.

While we didn’t go home with a completed project this time, I still came away with a little something – the last charcoal Lucy in the Sky dress by Oh Bluebird that I wrote about before ($107)! Here I am in Federation Square parading this neat little dress – it’s work-appropriate demure from the front but what you can’t see is that there’s a cheeky gingham cutout at the back. It was actually designed by one of Thread Den’s business partners, Kylie Shepherd – these Thread Den ladies are really talented!

Now that I’ve completed Sewing Basics Module  1 and 2 I’m aiming for the grand finale, the A-line skirt in Sewing Basics Module 4.

• Thread Den, Level 1 16 Errol Street, North Melbourne 3051 +61 3 9329 5305

Read about Thread Den Part 1

Look out for Thread Den Part 3

Thread Den: Part 1

My little swatch of chiffon from Tessuti has been patiently waiting for me to master a sewing machine so that it can be turned into a lovely scarf. So on a cold Tuesday evening, I trooped off to Sewing Basics Module 1 at  Thread Den, a great little shop and sewing lounge with its entrance tucked away in cobblestoned Webbs Lane off Errol Street.

Like me, the other six people in the class all looked a little apprehensive when faced with the indecipherable buttons, dials and levers of the Janome My Excel 18 W. Over the next three hours, the lovely and patient Melissa (one of the four young owners of Thread Den) guided us through the absolute basics of sewing machines – where to put the roll of thread, how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the needle, how to catch the bobbin thread and how to change feet. We then proceeded to put foot to pedals, our machines making satisfying whirring sounds as we practised sewing in a straight line, doing corners, curvy lines, zigzag stitches, blanket stitches and decorative stitches. All with one grand goal in mind – our very own self-made fabric satchel!

Even though my sewing was a bit crooked and my decorative stitching was not exactly even, I am very proud of my satchel. Mainly because it’s the perfect size for my Moleskine notebook and pen and it matches the vintage scarf I picked up in Florence.

I think the four girls have done a really good job in setting up a successful small business in a little less than two years. The basic sewing classes fill up very quickly (there are only eight machines) so if you want to go along you’ll need to book probably at least a month or so in advance. In addition to the sewing lounge, but their retail shop stocks very reasonably priced vintage and designer items. I’m coveting the pretty latte dress from Side Show Designs and the structured Lucy in the Sky dress from Oh Bluebird.

I’m now so excited about the prospect of making useful pretty things that I’ve signed up for Sewing Basics Module 2 – buttons and zips. In the meantime, I’m going to use the two hours sewing lounge time (included in your $55 three hour course fee) to whip up my little chiffon scarf.

Update 14 August: Home designers and maybe even Thread Den graduates, registration for the annual Tessuti Awards is open! Tessuti Fabrics run an annual competition to recognise up and coming designers and home couture. Entries close August 28 for two categories Vintage Little Black Dress & Smart Day/Evening Wear and the prize is a trip to Paris! Ooh la la!

• Thread Den, Level 1 16 Errol Street , North Melbourne 3051 +61 3 9329 5305

Read about Thread Den Part 2

Look out for Thread Den Part 3

The Rose Street Artists Market has been on my to-do list for at least five years, but for some reason I could never make it for the Saturday market. Fortunately, the market has now expanded to the whole weekend – perfect as I think Sundays are much more conducive to browsing and gushing.

The market is held in a indoor-outdoor area just off bustling Brunswick St and it is filled with artists and designers selling their work direct to the public. You can find stuffed elephants, knitted baby booties, Japanese prints, vintage clothing and lots of handmade jewellery and if the browsing becomes too much for you, have a coffee and a bite to eat at the Kanteen. As many desirable things as there were on sale, my only purchase was a cute little woollen jumper ($10) for my friend’s baby.

You can read all more about the market and the artists in their blog. You can also read about some great items I picked up on my most recent visit to the markets here.

• Rose Street Artists Market, 60 Rose St, Fitzroy +61 3 9419 5529

I know, I know, I’m becoming obsessed with charity stores and cheap glassware. But how could I resist when I cycled past what appeared to be the Salvos Store flagship? Endless rooms and shelves and racks of mustiness and potential treasure!

And treasure I did find:

• large swathes of fabric remnants, useful as jar covers for home-made jam;
• tubes of old buttons for my haberdashery-captivated friend Jenny;
• ‘Modern German Food’ for hausfrau Ev. I didn’t end up buying it because it contained the following intriguing inscription: “14 February 2002. A German Valentine present from a German girl Lily to an Aussie boy Bernie. Reason: A wonderful time and lots of fun.” I wonder what became of Lily and Bernie and how the book ended up in a charity bin?
• another intriguing display of new bridal gowns. What heartbreaking stories had caused these dresses to remain unworn? [Postscript: I’ve now discovered that 70 new gowns were donated by a wedding dress store. They’re priced from $50-$350 and most are in size 8-10 because they’re samples. Not such a romantic story then!)
• a triangular glass vial ($1), perfect as a bud vase and a worthy addition to my bud vase/cheap glass jar collection (see vase at the front of the pic); and
• the bestselling CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet cookbook ($4).

• Salvos Store, 81 Victoria Crescent, Abbotsford

Today I spotted the perfect dish in the window of my local Vinnies Centre. It was meant to be – a $2 white Corningware dish! My charitable contribution to St Vincent de Paul Society also extended to:

• one clip-lock plastic container $1;
• two glasses beakers to be used as bud vases $1 each;
• one set of plastic cup measures $1; and
• Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb $2 (a un-Valentines Day present for RM)

• Vinnies Centre, 121 Johnston St, Collingwood +61 3 9417 4559