Sunday, April 19, 2009

Thrifty

I have long admired the ability of some clever NZ bloggers to find (a seemingly never ending supply of) awesome thrifted clothes and other bits and pieces. I often lamented that I wasn't blessed with an ability to find the cool stuff amongst the junk stuff. Since moving I find myself within walking distance of several op shops, a 2nd hand recycled label clothing store and a cupboard-sized "treasure trove" shop full of 2nd hand bits and pieces. My neighbourhood is apparently a thrift shoppers dream.

Here (in my experience anyway) "thrift" shops seem to fall into 3 distinct categories. The Op Shops - opportunity stores/charity stores (Salvation Army, City Mission and the like) where there is usually lots of stock but finding the cool stuff can be a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. I seem to often leave empty handed having just waded through a whole lot of stuff people threw away for good reason , but occassionally, do find the odd gem. Last visit this included some (in N3's words) "gorjus" 80's plastic beads and "nana scarves" for the kids dress up box and these wooden handles (Score!). All for the pricely sum of about $5

Thrifted bag handles


There are a few 2nd hand clothing stores around the place which specialise in recycling labelled and quality clothing which can be good for a look through every now and then if you don't mind paying more than op shop prices.

And then there are the "treasure trove" shops , where the stock has been hand picked - retro, vintage, just plain old. But there's more cool than junk. One of these stores happens to be just around the corner from school (how sad for me). Last week I saw this black jacket hanging in the window and luckily it just happened to be MissAlmost2 sized

Thrifted Jacket

Originally it came with an odd assortment of mismatched buttons and funny sewn on flower things on the pockets. I gave the jacket a little make over by ripping them all off and replacing them with silver star buttons - much better.
Buttons and things from M's jacketNew buttons

The jacket has the loveliest of details, and beautiful red satin lining inside. It's "Old Navy" - I'm not really big on label clothing (especially those that aren't actually available in this country) but it does tell me it's probably not going to fall apart with shonky sewing anytime soon.

Lovely details


I'm very pleased with this find. M1's going to be very well dressed this winter!

CUTE

17 comments:

Nikki Elisabeth said...

Ahhhhh she's too freaking cute in that jacket! good score!

I may just have to come visit again so I can get more Miss-Almost-2 cuddles. Then I could drag you to Disney on bloody ice with me so I don't die of cheesiness by myself. ;)

Nova said...

oh that coat is totally gorjus!

Sharonnz said...

I'd love ME a cool duffle coat like that! Go you on the wooden handles score too.

Rose Red said...

The coat is great and the buttons perfect! You do need to get to thrift stores at the right time, but as you say, there are some bargains!

Suvi said...

Beatiful coat! I wish I had one like this :)

Lynne said...

Nice find.

I rarely find anything but the junk! It's always someone else who finds the "Annie Blatt" or a whole jumpers worth of alpaca!! ;-)

Jo's Place said...

Great score, that jacket just looks so cute on your beautiful model. Those handles are pretty cool too :)

Anonymous said...

That's so adorable! Good for you for spotting it!

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

A treasure indeed! One of my favorite teacups came from a thrift store :)))

Bells said...

Bargain. What a find!

Jen said...

Yeah...I've not got particularly good op-shop karma, either. Our local Sallies has got really expensive, too, which totally takes the shine off the whole thing.

Great scores, though - love the handles. :-)

Jen

Heart Felt said...

Great score, the jacket is wonderful! x

Sonia said...

Great find, what a pro refashioner you are now!

macca said...

Ahhh she is sooo gorgeous in that wee coat - what a score

Flea said...

Gorgeous - I always wanted a coat like that for my girls - Brilliant find :)

Miss Smith said...

The wooden handles are my pick! Beauuutiful!

Cut&Alter said...

Awesome finds Gabes! It's great being so close to the thrift shops because you really do have to pop in every day to find the bargains(at least that's what I tell myself). The handles are great because they cost soooo much to buy and as for the coat - I guess she'll be getting lots of use out of it with the current weather! xx